نوع مقاله : مقاله پژوهشی
نویسندگان
1 دانشجوی دکترای مطالعات منطقهای، دانشکده حقوق و علوم سیاسی، دانشگاه تهران، تهران، جمهوری اسلامی ایران
2 دانشجوی دکتری مطالعات منطقهای، دانشکده پیامبر اعظم (ص)، دانشگاه جامع امام حسین (ع)، تهران، ایران.
کلیدواژهها
عنوان مقاله English
نویسندگان English
Cyprus is one of the world's key geostrategic regions, located at the juncture of three continents -Asia, Europe, and Africa- playing a pivotal role in the commercial, cultural, military, and energy dynamics of these areas. Its prime geographic location near the Malacca Strait-Suez Canal maritime route, multifaceted dependence on the surrounding security environment, access to natural gas resources, potential for intelligence and military operations in proximate areas, especially the Levant, the presence of British military-intelligence bases, its role in energy and communications routes, European Union membership, and advanced maritime services all contribute to its unique geopolitical significance. These characteristics have consistently attracted the attention of regional and global actors aiming to exploit its geostrategic advantages. Among these actors, Israel stands out as a regional power seeking to enhance its influence. Since the occupation of Palestine, Israel has perceived Cyprus not merely as an island but as a strategic, non-Islamic, and non-Arab space- a valuable opportunity to reduce regional pressures and augment its security, military, and economic capacities. Given the strategic challenges arising from Israel’s artificial and imposed nature, Cyprus- a territory influenced by major global powers such as the United States and the United Kingdom- has become a critical lifeline, offering significant strategic advantages in times of war and peace. Over the past two decades, amid geopolitical shifts and emerging dynamics in the Eastern Mediterranean, Israel has advanced its relations with Cyprus across various domains, establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership. This partnership has extended beyond Cyprus to Greece, forming what Israeli leaders describe as a new geopolitical bloc in the Eastern Mediterranean. This bloc aims to counter regional threats and balance power against nations like Iran and Turkey, underscoring its importance to Israel. Cyprus’s strategic value is so profound that it is regarded as Israel's strategic depth in military and security planning. This study adopts a descriptive-analytical approach, drawing on open sources and data to examine the dimensions of Israel-Cyprus cooperation and to identify the strategic advantages Cyprus offers to Israel. The study seeks to answer the central question: "What strategic benefits does the Republic of Cyprus provide to Israel?" Three key areas of cooperation- security-intelligence, military, and energy- were examined to address this question. Security-intelligence cooperation between Israel and Cyprus has reached an advanced stage, including the sale of sophisticated intelligence equipment, development and export of spyware through Cyprus, and the establishment of joint intelligence channels for targeting Iran and the Axis of Resistance. Additionally, Cyprus acts as an intermediary for transferring Israeli security technologies and intelligence capabilities. Counterterrorism cooperation further bolsters this partnership, enabling Israel to leverage Cyprus’s intelligence resources to exert pressure on the Axis of Resistance and expand its regional influence. Military ties between the two nations have also grown substantially, encompassing the sale of advanced military equipment, joint exercises, training of Cypriot forces, and the use of Cypriot military bases for Israeli logistical and operational purposes. These collaborations allow Israel to use Cyprus as a staging ground for simulating potential future conflicts with Hezbollah and Iran, disrupting the Axis of Resistance’s logistical routes, and targeting Iranian vessels near the island. Energy collaboration has further strengthened ties, involving natural gas extraction and transportation, development of electricity infrastructure, and the establishment of joint institutions in the Eastern Mediterranean. These initiatives have helped Israel reduce dependence on external energy sources, strengthen its position in global energy markets, and leverage its energy resources for enhanced diplomatic engagement. The strategic outcomes of Israel’s broad relationship with Cyprus are significant, including deeper strategic depth, strengthened ties with Greece, capacity building for shaping a new regional order, increased energy capabilities, alliances against Iran and the Axis of Resistance, and a platform for initiating operations from the Eastern Mediterranean. These relations have also enabled Israel to expand its influence within the European Union, enhance its diplomatic power in international institutions, and legitimize its aggressive actions in the Eastern Mediterranean, positioning itself as a key regional actor. The strategic partnership with Cyprus bolsters Israel’s resilience, adaptability, and military capabilities in addressing regional challenges, particularly against the Axis of Resistance. However, these ties pose serious threats to the security of Iran and the Axis of Resistance. Within the zero-sum framework of the Iran-Israel rivalry, any enhancement of Israel’s power represents a direct threat to Iran’s security and interests. Israel’s partnership with Cyprus has created new avenues for exerting pressure on Iran and the Axis of Resistance, complicating Iran’s security environment and introducing novel threats. A deep understanding of Israel-Cyprus relations and the role of Cyprus in Israel’s anti-resistance strategies is essential for Iran. Israel’s strategic partnership with Cyprus demonstrates its sustained efforts to strengthen its position in the Eastern Mediterranean and counter the Axis of Resistance. Through effective diplomatic engagement, strengthened regional cooperation, and support for the Axis of Resistance, Iran must design coherent and effective strategies to neutralize these threats and enhance its position in the region.
کلیدواژهها English
