When it comes to European Union territory, you can't go much further east than Cyprus. So far east, in fact, that it's within reach of Iran's weapons.

A suspected drone from Iran attacked the British base of Akrotiri in Cyprus, as tensions escalate in the Middle East.

Britain says it is not at war, despite an Iranian-made drone strike on a U.K. base in Cyprus and a decision to let the U.S. use British bases during its conflict with Iran.

Now, after nearly 66 years as an independent nation, Cyprus has found itself embroiled in another Middle Eastern maelstrom primarily because it hosts two large and significant U.K. military bases, the vestige of its British colonial past.

The U.K. also is considering sending one of its own air-defense warships to the region, The Times of London reported.

British bases in Cyprus are legally separate territories, but they remain closely connected to the island’s people, geography, and security.

Cyprus says two drones aimed at UK bases were destroyed, after a renewed alert around RAF Akrotiri. Greece announced the deployment of frigates and F-16s to Cyprus.

“British Bases Out” is the slogan of Cypriot protesters after a drone strike targeted the RAF Akrotiri airbase.

Claims that 56 nuclear weapons are stored at RAF Akrotiri are not supported by available evidence, according to an analysis published by Fact Check Cyprus, which says satellite imagery, Nato security requirements and current British defence policy contradict the allegation.

NEWS 24/7 searched for several civil defense shelters in the center of Limassol. Are they actually ready to be used when needed?