UK Defence Secretary John Healey has stated that few people will mourn the death of Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, whose demise was announced following US and Israeli airstrikes. Healey described the Iranian regime as “evil” and highlighted its sponsorship of at least 20 terrorist plots against the UK and involvement in proxy wars.
Speaking on Sky News, Healey refrained from criticising the US and Israeli strikes, stating it was “for the US to set out and explain” the legality of its actions. He also declined to comment on the UK’s decision not to allow the use of its military bases for the attacks, emphasising that the government’s role is now defensive due to a “very real and rising threat from a regime that is lashing out across the region”.
Healey confirmed that UK military planes are active in the Middle East to protect British citizens and interests, shooting down missiles that could pose a threat. He urged Iran to abandon its weapons and return to negotiations. Regarding Khamenei’s death, Healey said: “I think few people will mourn the ayatollah’s death, not least the families and friends of the thousands of protesters murdered on the streets of Iranian cities.”
The US and Israeli action has divided political opinion in the UK. Labour MP Emily Thornberry, chair of the foreign affairs committee, said the attack breached international law and expressed relief that the UK was not involved. Green Party leader Zack Polanski also condemned the assassination, stating there was no justification for the bombing.
In contrast, Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel criticised Prime Minister Keir Starmer for not offering more support to the US and Israeli operation. Reform UK’s Nigel Farage echoed this sentiment, calling on the prime minister to allow the use of UK military bases in the fight against Iran.
