"We Have Many Surprises": TLF’s Iranian Sources Warn E. Mediterranean Nations Over Western Military Ties
In a rare and pointed message directed at the Eastern Mediterranean, two senior Iranian security officials, speaking on condition of anonymity to The Levant Files through supporters and volunteers of its Persian-language service, have outlined Tehran's evolving posture toward regional states caught between Western military infrastructure and the Islamic Republic's widening confrontation with the United States and Israel.
The remarks, which represent a significant clarification of Iran's position toward NATO and EU-aligned but non-belligerent states such as Cyprus and Greece, come amid a renewed diplomatic deadlock following the latest meeting between Israeli Prime Minister and the US President in Washington.
A "Friendly" Warning to Nicosia and Athens
Addressing whether Tehran harbors any animosity toward countries in the region that have not directly entered the ongoing conflict, the sources drew a sharp distinction between governments and peoples.
"The Islamic Republic approaches in a friendly manner any country that does not harbor enmity toward it," one of the officials stated. "Unfortunately, over the past year, we have observed several nations providing various forms of assistance to the enemy — the United States and the Zionist entity (TLF: Israel)."
The sources invoked what they described as "the fundamental principles of modern international law" to justify issuing formal warnings to such governments, while stressing that Tehran holds "no problem with their people."
On Cyprus specifically, the officials struck a notably conciliatory tone toward the Republic itself, describing it as "a friendly nation of Iran" and affirming that the Islamic Republic "recognizes the territorial integrity of Cyprus and maintains a friendly dialogue with Nicosia."
However, the sources directed pointed criticism at the United Kingdom's continued military presence on the island. "We are aware that the British bases on the island, remnants of the dark period of colonialism, create problems for all parties," the official said, in an apparent reference to the sovereign base areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia.
The sources confirmed that in March, the so-called "Islamic Resistance" — a term Tehran uses for its network of allied armed groups across the region — "sent a warning signal to the British side." They urged the new government in London to "tread carefully without endangering its position on the island and in the region," adding that should "the enemy succeed in imposing its dark plans on London, then the Islamic Republic and the Resistance will take all necessary precautions."
The officials extended the same framework to Greece, calling it "another friendly nation" and stating that what applies to Cyprus "is also applicable to Greece."
"Iran Isn't Venezuela or Cuba"
Turning to the broader trajectory of hostilities with Washington, particularly in the wake of the latest Israeli-American summit, the sources painted a picture of preparedness mixed with defiance.
"The Islamic Republic is ready for every possibility," one official said. "Unfortunately, the latest messages are not positive. The enemy is trying to weaken the will of the Iranian people using a series of tools — military action, economic pressure, and the use of traitors."
The sources dismissed the current US leadership, especially the US President, as "diplomatically and politically not so wise" and vowed that Iran and its allied Resistance axis would "give the appropriate answer" to both Washington and the Israeli leadership.
In a striking comparison, the official sought to distinguish Iran's strategic position from that of other states that have faced prolonged Western pressure.
"Iran isn't Venezuela or Cuba," the source said. "We have many surprises for the enemy. Just wait and see."
The sources framed Iran's resistance in universal terms, asserting that Tehran "resists not only for the Iranian people but for all people who demand an end to imperialism."
A Calibrated Message
The remarks represent a carefully calibrated message. By publicly affirming friendly ties with Cyprus and Greece while simultaneously warning about Western military infrastructure on their soil, Tehran appears to be attempting to drive a wedge between these nations and their Western allies, particularly the United Kingdom and the United States.
The invocation of international law and the repeated emphasis on the distinction between governments and civilian populations suggest an effort to maintain diplomatic channels even as military rhetoric escalates.
The timing of the statements, coming immediately after the latest US-Israeli summit, underscores Tehran's perception that diplomatic avenues are narrowing and that the current trajectory favors further confrontation rather than de-escalation.
*The Levant Files was unable to independently verify all claims made by the sources. The identities of the two Iranian security officials have been withheld at their request. Reporting by The Levant Files Persian Service. Additional research by volunteers and supporters of The Levant Files.