Özersay: “South Cyprus’ Military Ties With Foreign Powers Make It a Potential Target”

Speaking on Kıbrıs Postası TV’s “Gündem” program, Özersay evaluated recent developments in the region. 

“Methods Once Used by Terrorist Groups Are Now State Tactics”
Özersay said the current conflict differs from traditional warfare. He noted that strategies once predominantly used by terrorist organizations in the early 2000s are now employed directly by states. Infrastructure sabotage and assassination attempts serve as examples, demonstrating that these are no longer conventional inter-state warfare methods.

A New Global Conflict
Özersay emphasized that in terms of the number of countries involved, current clashes could be considered akin to a new world war. He warned that the conflict is unlikely to end quickly, creating prolonged global instability.

US, Russia, and China Dynamics
Özersay highlighted that the conflict in Iran is not solely about Iran’s military capabilities. He argued that the ease with which the United States is achieving its objectives may prompt Russia and China to intervene or provide support to Iran at varying levels. Consequently, daily life may continue alongside ongoing armed conflicts, signaling a period of global disorder.

Regime Change in Iran is Difficult
Addressing the possibility of regime change in Iran, Özersay said this would largely depend on the ability of the US and Israel to organize opposition groups within the country. He considered comprehensive regime change unlikely in the short term, despite potential weakening of central authority in certain regions. He also noted that US statements claiming “regime change is not the objective” align with this reality.

South Cyprus’ Military Partnerships Increase Risk
Özersay criticized South Cyprus for making itself a target through military ties with foreign powers. He stressed that threats from groups like Hezbollah and Hamas are linked to these alliances. He noted that the risk is not only from the British sovereign bases but also from the increased American military presence in the region.

He added that South Cyprus’ strategic partnerships with Israel, as well as arms acquisitions and military support from France and Greece, have further exposed it to potential threats. US deployment of forces under humanitarian justification also increases its visibility as a target.

UK Bases and Legal Discussions
Özersay suggested that the legal status of British bases in Cyprus and ongoing court cases may be further debated. He predicted that Cypriot public opinion on the removal of these bases could re-emerge as a topic of discussion.

Turkey’s Neutral Stance is Rational
Finally, Özersay assessed Turkey’s role, noting that while Ankara has maintained close relations with the US in some areas, its cautious and neutral stance regarding Iran is sensible. He argued that if the US achieves its objectives too easily in Iran, pressure could shift to Turkey, making its measured approach strategically important.

Özersay concluded that South Cyprus’ foreign military engagements, strategic partnerships, and arms acquisitions have collectively heightened its exposure to regional and international risks, making it a more prominent potential target in an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape.