Asger Risom
Iran has warned that British military bases could become targets as tensions rise, with officials reviewing the UK’s role in US operations.
Iran has signaled that UK military bases could be considered targets as the conflict in the Middle East deepens.
The warning comes amid growing scrutiny over Britain’s role in US-led operations against Tehran.
According to The Times, Iran’s ambassador to the UK, Seyed Ali Mousavi, said Tehran is “analyzing” whether British bases should be treated as legitimate targets.
Speaking to Times Radio, Mousavi initially welcomed Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s early stance of limiting involvement in the conflict.
Position Shifts
“The initial position expressed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer was very good,” Mousavi said.
“We appreciate this and welcome the non-involvement in this criminal act unleashed by the American and Israeli sides,” he added.
However, he accused the UK of indirectly supporting operations after reports that a base in Fairford was used to equip US aircraft.
Target Question
Asked directly whether British bases could be targeted, Mousavi said: “This is a very important issue that we are analyzing.”
He added that Iran’s military would decide its response, depending on the UK’s actions.
The remarks suggest a possible escalation, though no final decision has been announced.
UK Role
British Defense Secretary John Healey told parliament that UK bases had been used by the US for what he described as defensive strikes against Iranian-linked threats.
These included missile systems believed to endanger shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
London had previously limited US access to its bases to operations tied to British interests.
Rising Tensions
The exchange comes as tensions between Iran and Western powers intensify.
US President Donald Trump has criticized the UK’s response to the conflict, calling it delayed.
Meanwhile, two ballistic missiles were launched toward the joint US-UK base on Diego Garcia on March 21, though they failed to hit their target.
Some analysts view the incident as a sign of Iran’s long-range capabilities, though details remain disputed.
Sources: The Times
