London, UK – British authorities have officially requested Cyprus to extradite British-Azerbaijani citizen Rashad Sultanov, 44, on suspicion of gathering intelligence for the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. This British legal request marks a significant development. It is the first of its kind. Britain is therefore applying its National Security Act outside its borders. This targets hostile surveillance operations that have targeted the Royal Air Force (RAF) base at Akrotiri on the Mediterranean island.
Details of the indictment and the external application of the National Security Law
According to a statement from the Metropolitan Police (London), the suspect, from the Islington area of north London, is being held by Cypriot authorities as part of extradition proceedings. Counter-terrorism police explained that the investigation focused on hostile surveillance activities carried out by Sultanov at RAF Akrotiri between May 11 and June 22 of last year. He then shared this sensitive information with Iranian intelligence. RAF Akrotiri is one of the UK’s most important military installations. It supports operations in the Middle East. Helen Flanagan, head of counter-terrorism in London, confirmed that the case demonstrates Britain’s ability to enforce national security laws abroad. In addition, she said it shows Britain can protect its military installations against hostile state activities.
The context of security tensions and Iranian threats
This issue is particularly sensitive given the escalating military tensions between Britain and Iran. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard has previously threatened to attack any British military bases used by US forces to launch attacks on Tehran. On March 2, facilities at RAF Akrotiri sustained minor damage after being targeted by an Iranian-made Shahed drone. As a result, Britain subsequently declared the base excluded from its defense agreement with the United States. This concerns the use of British bases.
Arrest and judicial cooperation between London and Nicosia
For its part, the Cypriot police—whose country hosts two British military bases—announced that the suspect was first arrested in 2025. He has remained in custody ever since. They also indicated that Cypriot authorities had simultaneously thwarted potential attacks. A Cypriot police spokesperson confirmed that Sultanov was formally rearrested on July 17th following a formal extradition request from London. He is now awaiting the completion of legal procedures for his transfer to the United Kingdom. There, he will face the charges against him.
