Iranian ambassador suggests Tehran could strike British bases
Iran’s ambassador to the UK has said Tehran is “considering” whether British bases are legitimate targets in conflicts in the Middle East.
The UK allows the US to use RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire to launch operations against Iran; Seyed Ali Mousavi described it as “very unfortunate”.
Speaking to Times Radio, he said: “The initial position made by prime minister Starmer is very good.
“We appreciate [it]We welcome the non-interference of the American side and the Israeli regime in this criminal act.
“But unfortunately, we have now understood that the British Fairford military base serves to equip the American side’s B2 and B1 jets with different weapons against the Iranian people. This is a very unfortunate situation.”
Asked whether British bases and assets were legitimate targets for Iran, Mr. Mousavi replied: “This is a very important issue that we are focusing on. This is a very important issue for our self-defense.”
He added that Iranian military officials will “decide appropriately” what course of action to take, adding that the final decision “depends” on Britain’s actions.
Defense Secretary John Healey told MPs last week that the US has permission to use UK bases for defensive strikes against certain Iranian targets, including missile sites and capabilities that threaten shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
The government had previously allowed the US to use British bases, including the one in Diego Garcia, only to strike missile sites targeting British interests in the region.
Missiles had previously been fired towards Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, but none of them reached the island.
The latest warning from Iran comes despite Sir Keir Starmer refusing to send British troops to Iran on Tuesday, insisting the UK would not be “dragged” into Donald Trump’s escalating war in the region.
As hostilities between Tehran and Washington enter their second month, the United States has fueled fears that it is preparing to launch a ground operation against Iran soon.
The Prime Minister has faced criticism from allies and foes alike for his approach to the conflict, but on Monday he doubled down on his stance when asked whether British troops could be sent to the Middle East.
“This is not our war and we’re not going to get drawn into it,” he said, adding the UK will continue to take defensive action and work to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
“What we did was take defensive action: by keeping our pilots in the air for an hour or two after the start of this war, we defended British lives, British interests and, of course, our allies in the region.”
It comes after US President Donald Trump escalated criticism of London in what he described as a “too late response” to the escalating conflict.
The Prime Minister will give an update to the British public following concerns that energy bills could rise as a result.
Sir Keir will speak at a press conference later on Wednesday morning after promising to “protect British people at home and abroad”.
Since the start of conflict in Iran, oil prices have risen in response to Tehran blocking tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
To talk BBC BreakfastThe Chancellor said any support the government offered would be based on household income but refused to commit to immediate support for drivers.
He said: “I want to learn from the past because when Russia invaded Ukraine the richest and best-off third of households received more than a third of the support. This makes no sense.”
He added that he needed to be “cautious” in cutting fuel duty or VAT on gasoline because of the risk of increasing inflation.
