Iran 'considering' whether UK bases are 'legitimate targets' as UK sends more RAF to Middle East
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Iran is “considering” whether British bases are legitimate targets in the unfolding Middle East conflict.
Iranian ambassador to the UK, Seyed Ali Mousavi, described the position while discussing prime minister Sir Keir Starmer’s conduct. This comes shortly after defence secretary John Healey announced that extra troops and RAF assets would be deployed to the Gulf to protect allied airspace from drones and ballistic missiles.
Speaking to Times Radio, Mr Ali Mousavi said: “The initial position made by Prime Minister Starmer is very good. We do appreciate (it), 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 B2 and B1, you know, jets of the American side to be equipped by the different weapons to use against the Iranian people. It’s very unfortunate.”
Asked whether British bases and assets were “legitimate targets”, Mr Mousavi replied: “This is the very important matter we are considering. This is a very important matter for our self-defence.”
He added Iranian military authorities “will decide appropriately” what course of action they will take, adding any final decision “depends on” UK activities. Defence Secretary John Healey told MPs last week the US has permission to use UK bases for defensive strikes against specific Iranian targets, including missile sites and capabilities which threaten shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran is continuing to keep a stranglehold over the strategic waterway, where 20 per cent of the world’s oil flows through. US President Donald Trump and the country’s defence secretary, Pete Hegseth, both insulted the Royal Navy and called on the UK to send vessels to unblock the region - despite previously stating they wouldn’t be needed.
The Government had previously only allowed the US to use British bases – including the one on Diego Garcia – to hit missile sites targeting British interests in the region. MR Trump criticised on London for what he described as “a very late response”. Missiles have previously been fired in the direction of Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, but neither made it to the island.
RAF Akrotiri being targeted by a kamikaze drone caused the UK to deploy HMS Dragon to the eastern Mediterranean. The Shahed-type system is believed to be fired from a pro-Iranian militia from Lebanon or western Iraq.