British-Azerbaijani Dual Citizen Arrested in Cyprus for Spying on UK Airbase for Iran

Authorities in Cyprus have arrested Rashad Sultanov, a 44-year-old dual British and Azerbaijani citizen, on suspicion of espionage targeting a British Royal Air Force base on the island. The Metropolitan Police in London confirmed Sultanov's detention and stated he is held pending extradition proceedings. He is accused of gathering intelligence on the RAF base and passing sensitive information to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The arrest highlights ongoing Iranian espionage efforts in Europe, particularly against British military installations. Cyprus hosts two British sovereign military bases, including RAF Akrotiri, which was targeted by an Iranian drone strike in early March shortly after the launch of Israel's Operation Iron Swords. The case demonstrates the UK's ability to apply national security laws internationally when hostile states threaten its overseas military assets.

This incident is not isolated; nearly two years ago, in October 2024, seven Azerbaijani immigrants were arrested in Israel for spying on behalf of Iran's regime. Azerbaijan, a close ally of Israel, shares a complex history with Iran, including a large Azeri population within Iran and historical territorial changes. Despite strained relations between Azerbaijan and Iran, espionage activities linked to Iran continue to involve individuals with Azerbaijani connections.