Iran has issued a chilling warning to the United Kingdom, cautioning that British military bases could become legitimate targets if they are used for strikes against Iran. The warning came from Iran's ambassador to London, Seyed Ali Mousavi, who said Tehran would have the right to self-defence if the UK directly participated in US and Israeli attacks.
In an interview with the BBC, Mousavi urged the British government to be "very delicate" and "very careful" in its approach. He noted that it was "good" the UK had not yet directly engaged in aggression against Iran, hinting that lessons had been learned from the 2003 Iraq war. However, he made clear that any facilities or bases used against Iran would become "legitimate targets".
The UK has permitted US forces to use its air bases for what ministers described as defensive operations against Iranian facilities. US B-52 bombers arrived at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire on Friday night as part of preparations for further strikes. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has stated the UK will not become fully involved in the conflict.
Mousavi's remarks follow Iranian missile strikes that hit Gulf states including Qatar and the UAE. He maintained there was a willingness from Iran not to strike its neighbours, but said Iran would continue targeting any regional military bases used against it. "If the aggression continues, there is no doubt we will defend ourselves," he said.
The US and Israel have conducted intensive air strikes on Iran over the past week, targeting missile sites and nuclear facilities, and reportedly killing Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. On March 1, a suspected drone struck RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, causing minor damage and sparking fears about British involvement. Mousavi was summoned by the Foreign Office on March 4.
