Iran's Warning to the UK Over US Base Usage
Iran's foreign minister has issued a warning to the United Kingdom, stating that allowing the United States to use British military bases constitutes "participation in aggression." This statement was made during a phone call with UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper.
Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, Iran's foreign minister, shared his account of the conversation, highlighting his criticism of the UK's "negative and biased" stance. He demanded that the UK cease any cooperation with the United States in this regard.
UK's Position on US Use of Bases
The UK government did not permit the US to use its bases for initial offensive operations against Iran. However, it later authorized the use of these bases for defensive purposes in response to Iranian missile strikes.
Downing Street clarified the UK's position:
"We didn't participate in the initial strikes, and we're not getting drawn into the wider war."
The Prime Minister's official spokesman further explained:
"We have authorised the US to use our bases for a specific defensive and limited purpose in response to Iran's continued and outrageous aggression, and we've always said that this is the best way to eliminate the urgent threat and restore a path to diplomacy."
US and UK Leadership Responses
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly and strongly criticized the UK for not becoming more involved in the conflict. In contrast, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has defended his approach, stating:
"It is for me to act in what I consider to be the best interests of Britain."
Details of the Phone Call
Araghchi posted a summary of his conversation with the UK's foreign secretary on the social media platform Telegram, writing in Farsi. He conveyed to Cooper:
"These actions will definitely be considered as participation in aggression and will be recorded in the history of relations between the two countries.
At the same time, we reserve our inherent right to defend the country's sovereignty and independence."
He also criticized the UK for condemning Iran's "retaliatory action" following an Israeli attack on the South Pars natural gas field in Iran. In response to that strike, Tehran targeted an energy complex located in Qatar.
Context of the Conflict and Regional Impact
Earlier in the week, President Trump urged countries, including the UK, to support efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil shipping channel. Since the conflict began, the number of ships passing through the strait has significantly decreased amid threats from Iran to attack certain vessels using drones and missiles.
This disruption has led to a sharp increase in oil and gas prices, causing volatility in financial markets worldwide.
Sir Keir Starmer has indicated that he is collaborating with international allies to develop a "viable, collective plan" aimed at reopening the strait. He warned that the longer the conflict persists, the greater the impact on the cost of living will be, emphasizing that:
"The best way forward is a negotiated settlement with Iran."
Political Reactions Within the UK
The Green Party of England and Wales has called on the UK government to revoke permission for the US to use British military bases for attacks on Iran. They have urged the government to "refuse any further complicity in this illegal war."
In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, Green Party MPs and peers requested that the government clarify what measures are being taken to ensure that military bases are used solely for defensive purposes. They also sought an assessment of the number of Iranian civilians who have been killed by "US bombing missions from British air bases."
