Iran says British lives put ‘in danger’ after UK decision | UK | News
The move comes after Britain previously restricted the US to using bases only to strike missile sites targeting British interests in the region. According to reports, shortly after the decision, a joint US-UK military base was targeted with ballistic missiles.
The warning from Iran came as the conflict in the Middle East completed its third week after the United States and Israel launched a joint attack on several key regions of Iran on February 28. Iran retaliated by striking sites across the region.
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In his post on X, Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said: “The vast majority of British people want no role in the Israeli-US war of choice against Iran.”
“Ignoring his own people, Mr Starmer is endangering British lives by allowing UK bases to be used offensively against Iran. Iran will exercise its right to self-defence.”
Earlier on Saturday, the Wall Street Journal reported that Iran fired two medium-range ballistic missiles at the joint US-UK base Diego Garcia, but neither of the missiles hit the base.
Mr Trump said on Friday that Britain “needs to move much faster” on allowing the US to use its bases.
Sir Keir Starmer had previously only authorized the US to take “defensive” action against Iranian missile sites at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire and Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean.
Speaking to reporters outside the White House, Mr Trump said: “There was a very late response from the UK.”
“I was surprised at how good the relationship was, but this has never happened before.”
“They were actually our first ally anywhere in the world.”
“To be honest, I was a bit surprised in the UK. They should have moved a lot quicker.”
Posting on the Truth Social platform on Friday evening, Mr Trump said: “As we consider halting our major Military efforts in the Middle East regarding the Iranian Terrorist Regime, we are getting very close to achieving our goals.”
