A senior UK government minister has indicated that Britain would not mourn the collapse of Iran's current regime, as former US President Donald Trump reportedly considers military options against the Islamic Republic.
Minister Brands Iran a 'Hostile State'
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander explicitly labelled Iran a hostile state during a media briefing on January 11, 2026. She asserted that Tehran poses a significant security threat across the Middle East and beyond, and highlighted its alliance with Russia, particularly in evading oil sanctions.
"The British government has always viewed Iran as a hostile state," Ms Alexander stated. "We know that they pose a security threat in the Middle East and beyond. And we know that they have been a repressive regime in terms of their own population."
UK Calls for Peace Amidst Violent Unrest
The minister's comments come amidst significant domestic turmoil within Iran. Millions of Iranians have participated in street protests demanding a change in leadership, with reports indicating that at least 116 lives have been lost in the ensuing violence.
Ms Alexander emphasised that the immediate priority is to stem this bloodshed. When pressed on whether the UK would 'shed any tears' if the Iranian government was overthrown, she replied, "I think we would broadly use similar words," effectively endorsing the sentiment.
However, she clarified the UK's official position, stating a desire for a peaceful transition of power. "We would like to see anything that happens in future involving a peaceful transition where people can enjoy fundamental freedoms and we see proper democratic values back in the heart of Iran," she said.
Trump's Military Threats and Iranian Retaliation Warnings
The geopolitical tension has been sharply escalated by reports from US publications The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. Citing anonymous officials, they revealed that on Saturday, January 10, Donald Trump had been presented with military options for a strike on Iran, though no final decision had been made.
Trump himself has voiced support for the Iranian protesters on social media, declaring, "Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!" The US State Department issued a stark warning: "Do not play games with President Trump. When he says he'll do something, he means it."
In response, Iran's parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, warned that US military assets and Israel would become "legitimate targets" if America attacks. This threat was echoed by lawmakers in the Iranian parliament, who rushed the dais chanting "Death to America!".
The ultimate authority for any Iranian decision to go to war rests with the country's 86-year-old Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Meanwhile, the US military has affirmed it maintains forces in the Middle East with "full-range combat capability" to defend its interests and allies.
Ms Alexander also noted there is a relatively small number of British citizens currently in Iran, a factor in the UK's strategic calculations.
