In today's episode, the government on Wednesday was bracing for heightened security measures as an all-out war in Middle East loomed, prompting diplomats to flee Beirut in boats docking in Cyprus.

Meanwhile, Cyprus was the likely launchpad for the military support offered by the United Kingdom to defend Israel from a volley of Iranian missiles launched on Tuesday evening.

Elsewhere, after months of wrangling, three Osiou Avakoum monks were defrocked by the Holy Synod, a decision the clerics decried as unfair and said they would sue.

All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.