Key Points:
- Cyprus asked by Iran to convey messages to Israel
- Cyprus President to speak with Israeli PM Netanyahu
- Goal to de-escalate ongoing Iran-Israel conflict
- Cyprus seeks EU Foreign Affairs Council emergency meeting
- Cyprus criticizes EU's slow response to crisis
- Communications planned with Egypt, EU, India, and others
- Cyprus stresses role as regional mediator and peace builder
- Cyprus denies involvement in military conflict
- Calls for humanitarian aid coordination amid Gaza crisis
- Regional tensions remain high with risk of wider conflict
In the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, Cyprus has emerged as a key diplomatic intermediary. On June 15, 2025, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides disclosed that Iran has requested Cyprus to convey “some messages” to Israel. This unusual diplomatic role underscores Cyprus’s strategic position as a bridge between conflicting parties in the Eastern Mediterranean.
President Christodoulides confirmed he would speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later that day to deliver the messages, aiming to foster dialogue and reduce tensions.
Cyprus’s Unique Position and Diplomatic Role
Cyprus’s geographic proximity to the Middle East and its status as a European Union member state place it in a unique position to facilitate communication between Iran and Israel, two countries locked in a bitter and increasingly violent confrontation.
President Christodoulides emphasized Cyprus’s characteristic role in the region: “We will talk to everyone and to the best of our ability… we try to convey messages, to create the conditions so that this difficult state of affairs can be ended.”
He stressed that Cyprus does not seek to exert pressure but rather to be “part of the solution, not the problem,” highlighting its efforts to maintain open channels with all relevant parties, including Arab nations and European institutions.
The Iran-Israel Conflict and Cyprus’s Mediation Efforts
The conflict intensified after Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites, which Iran retaliated against with missile and drone attacks on Israeli cities. The violence has caused significant casualties and heightened fears of a broader regional war.
In this context, Cyprus’s mediation attempts aim to prevent further escalation. President Christodoulides’s scheduled call with Netanyahu was initially planned for the previous evening but delayed due to the chaotic security situation.
Beyond Israel, Christodoulides also planned discussions with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, reflecting Cyprus’s broader diplomatic outreach to key regional and international actors.
Calls for EU Action and Criticism of Slow Response
Cyprus has urged the European Union to take a more active role in addressing the crisis. Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos requested an extraordinary meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council to discuss the conflict and explore ways to de-escalate tensions.
President Christodoulides expressed dissatisfaction with the EU’s delayed response, stating that it was “not credible” for the bloc to claim a geopolitical role while failing to convene its foreign ministers promptly. He has also asked European Council President Antonio Costa to raise the issue at the upcoming G7 summit in Canada.
Cyprus’s Humanitarian Initiatives and Security Concerns
Amid the conflict, Cyprus has taken steps to support humanitarian efforts, including plans to establish a base for transferring international aid to Gaza. President Christodoulides highlighted the importance of these initiatives in alleviating suffering and stabilizing the region.
Despite threats from groups like Hezbollah, which warned Cyprus could become a target due to its cooperation with Israel, Cypriot officials have maintained that the country is not involved militarily and remains committed to peace.
Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis confirmed ongoing reviews of anti-terrorism security measures in response to these threats, underscoring Cyprus’s vigilance.
Broader Regional Cooperation and Strategic Partnerships
Cyprus continues to strengthen its strategic ties with Israel and other regional partners. In May 2025, President Christodoulides met with Prime Minister Netanyahu in Jerusalem to reinforce bilateral cooperation in political, economic, and security domains.
The two leaders discussed the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and trilateral cooperation involving Greece, aiming to promote regional stability and prosperity.
Cyprus also maintains diplomatic channels with Lebanon and Hezbollah, seeking to keep communication open amid the volatile environment.
Cyprus’s Role as a Peacemaker in a Volatile Region
In a time of escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, Cyprus is leveraging its unique geographic and diplomatic position to act as a mediator and peacebuilder. By conveying messages between Tehran and Jerusalem, urging EU action, and supporting humanitarian efforts, Cyprus aims to help de-escalate tensions and foster dialogue.
President Christodoulides’s efforts reflect a broader strategy to position Cyprus as a constructive actor in regional security and diplomacy, emphasizing dialogue over confrontation in a region fraught with complexity and risk.