UK considers sending HMS Duncan to defend Cyprus — Starmer says UK "not joining strikes"

Guardian: "Defence Secretary John Healey is considering sending Royal Navy destroyer HMS Duncan to Cyprus to help defend the Akrotiri RAF airbase." Telegraph: "Starmer should have sent warship to Cyprus sooner." Critics called the delayed response "pathetic." Express: "Cyprus has blamed Britain's 'poor communication' for the drone strike on RAF Akrotiri and opened the door to reviewing the UK's sovereign base areas." Cypriot government: Two additional unmanned drones heading towards RAF Akrotiri were intercepted — "confronted in time." Starmer: UK is "not joining strikes" on Iran but will continue defensive action. Guardian also reported an explosion in Larnaca, Cyprus — separate from the Akrotiri strikes. Analysis: • HMS Duncan is a Type 45 Daring-class destroyer — one of the most advanced air defense ships in the world, designed specifically for the anti-air/anti-missile role. • Sending it to Cyprus would be the most significant NATO military deployment in response to the Iran conflict. • Cyprus's threat to review basing rights is significant — the UK has held sovereign base areas since 1960. • The UK is trying to walk a fine line: allowing US forces to use UK bases (contributing to strikes) while claiming not to be a combatant.