British-Azerbaijani national arrested in Cyprus over Iran spy plot

The arrest on July 17 marks the first time British counter-terrorism units have utilized the National Security Act to conduct an investigation on foreign soil. Officials claim Sultanov monitored the base between May 11 and June 22, 2023, gathering data that authorities believe was intended for Iranian state actors. He currently remains in custody in Cyprus as the extradition process toward the United Kingdom begins.

RAF Akrotiri has faced increasing scrutiny as regional tensions escalate. In March, a Shahed-type drone strike caused minor damage to the site, prompting the British government to clarify that the base would not be included in defensive agreements regarding U.S. operations against Iran. This incident follows a broader pattern of hostility, including an alleged Iranian missile attempt targeting a joint U.S.-UK base on Diego Garcia earlier this year. Helen Flanagan, head of London’s counter-terrorism policing, noted that the arrest signals a shift in how Britain applies domestic security statutes to protect its overseas military assets.