Sapphire Beard-Griffith Films Missiles Fired from Iran Towards Israel from Cyprus

A UK holidaymaker captured an eerie video of bright orange missiles streaking across the sky, realizing she was witnessing live missile strikes from the ongoing Middle East conflict. Sapphire Beard-Griffith, 20, from Colchester, Essex, was enjoying a quiet evening by the pool at her villa in Paphos, Cyprus, when she noticed the glowing trails.

“We were at our villa, sitting by the pool with some drinks and crisps, just enjoying a quiet evening,” Sapphire recalled. “I was with my partner, and he suddenly looked up at the sky with a really concerned expression. That’s when I turned to look and saw the missiles. The mood shifted instantly, from relaxed to tense, and we were both just stunned.”

The video, posted on TikTok, shows missiles heading from Iran towards Israel amid escalating tensions in the region. Sapphire said, “It definitely changed the atmosphere. We still tried to enjoy the rest of the trip, but that moment stayed with us. It brought this uneasy sense of how quickly things can shift, even when you’re far from where the conflict is actually happening.”

The conflict intensified after Israel launched airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites earlier in June. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks targeting multiple Israeli cities on June 13, sparking days of mutual attacks. On June 21, US President Donald Trump announced the US had bombed three Iranian nuclear facilities in response.

Iran retaliated by firing missiles at a US airbase, though Qatar stated all missiles were intercepted. A ceasefire between Israel and Iran began on June 24, but Israeli officials have accused Iran of violating the agreement. Tehran has denied launching any missiles, with its state TV stating Iran would respect the ceasefire if Israel did the same.

Sapphire was not alone in witnessing the missile activity from Cyprus. Comments on her TikTok video included others from Cyprus who saw the missiles. One viewer, Lauren, said: “We are in Cyprus and we also saw them.” Others expressed fear and sorrow over the conflict.

Sarah wrote: “That’s so saddening. The thought of all those civilians caught up in it.” Luca added: “I just want peace everywhere.” Another commenter noted, “Heartbreaking. This world is becoming so frightening.”