Politics
Iran Ambassador: Attacks On British Bases Being Considered
The Iranian ambassador to the UK has warned attacks on British bases are under consideration in an alarming intervention.
Seyed Ali Mousavi claimed that Keir Starmer’s decision to allow US forces to use British sites for defensive and limited strikes could end up putting a target on the UK’s military.
Speaking to Times Radio, he said: “The initial position made by the prime minister Starmer is very good.
“We do appreciate, we do welcome the non-involvement in this criminal act of the American side and the Israeli regime.
“But unfortunately, now we have realised that the British Fairford military base has been serving for the B-2 and B-1 jets of the American side to be equipped by the different weapons to use against the Iranian people.
“It’s very unfortunate.”
Asked if British bases and British military assets could be legitimate targets, he replied: “This is the very important matter we are considering. This is a very important matter for our self-defence.”
He claimed the military section of their “system” will decide depending on UK “activities”.
He added: “We are very careful and delicate how to defend ourselves.”
His remarks are especially alarming, considering Starmer has repeatedly insisted that the ongoing Middle East conflict is “not our war”.
Meanwhile, Labour MP and defence select committee member Calvin Bailey has warned there is a “real risk of escalation” in the region.
The former Wing Commander told Times Radio: “There’s always a risk of escalation and that’s why it’s never desirable to enter conflict without understanding what the goals of those operations are.
“That’s why the UK remained out and didn’t follow or support the US in starting the conflict that it’s now engaged with Iran. But dealing with the consequences of it is entirely legitimate and it’s reasonable.”
He warned Britain could be dragged further into the conflict too – as could other allies and partners in the Gulf region.
“The reason why we’ve got larger numbers of forces in the region is that they’re there to protect those allies and our people that exist within their country,” Bailey said.
“We just have to make sure that the assets are there to provide protection and assurances that they expect of us.”
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