Turkey deploys F-16 jets in Northern Cyprus

PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkey has announced the deployment of six F-16 fighter jets and air defense systems in the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

“In light of recent developments in our region, and within a phased approach to strengthening the security of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, six F-16 fighter jets and air defense systems have been deployed there starting today. Additional measures will be taken depending on further developments if deemed necessary,” Turkey’s Ministry of National Defense said on X, according to Factor.am .

The decision followed reports that Iranian missiles and drones had struck Cyprus, including the Royal Air Force (RAF) base at Akrotiri.

At the same time, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Iran’s armed forces had not attacked Azerbaijan, Turkey or Cyprus.

“Our country’s defense must not in any way be interpreted as hostility toward any country in the region. Regarding Azerbaijan, Turkey and Cyprus, the General Staff of the Armed Forces clearly and officially stated that no such projectiles were launched from inside Iran or by our armed forces,” Baghaei said during a press conference.

He also noted that Iran’s president had held a phone conversation with Azerbaijan’s president.

“Last night, there was a good conversation between our country’s president and the president of Azerbaijan. It was explained and emphasized that such actions did not originate from Iran, and we hope Iran’s goodwill and positive approach toward its neighbors will be taken into account in any statements. At the same time, we emphasize that wherever the origin and source of military aggression against the Iranian nation may be, our response is legitimate,” Baghaei added.

Earlier, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and assured him that Tehran had no connection to the drone strikes carried out toward Nakhchivan.

On February 28, Israel and the U.S. carried out airstrikes on Iran, killing Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran responded by launching strikes toward Israel and Gulf countries hosting U.S. military bases.