Iran has issued a warning, stating that the use of British military bases by US forces will be perceived as an aggressive act. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi conveyed this message during a tense phone conversation with Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, as reported by Iranian state media. Araghchi emphasized that such actions would be seen as involvement in aggression and would impact the historical relationship between the two countries. He asserted Iran’s right to defend its sovereignty and independence while also criticizing Britain’s biased approach.

Despite the UK Government’s stance on avoiding broader conflict and not participating in recent US and Israel-led strikes on Iran since February 28, there has been approval to utilize British bases to target Iranian missiles threatening the UK and its allies, under the condition that the actions are defensive. Operations against Iranian missile sites have been initiated from RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire and Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, although this move has not shielded the UK from criticism, particularly from US President Donald Trump.

In response to the situation, Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds emphasized the government’s commitment to safeguarding the 300,000 British nationals residing in the Middle East. She clarified that the UK has refrained from actively engaging in offensive attacks in Iran, as the Prime Minister rejected the use of UK bases for such purposes. The aim remains to prevent escalation and seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Tensions have been heightened by Tehran’s control over the vital Strait of Hormuz shipping route and its attacks on energy facilities in the Gulf, raising concerns about the security of global fossil fuel supplies. President Trump has called on Britain and its allies to deploy warships to secure the 104-mile waterway, responsible for a significant portion of the world’s oil supply and liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Keir Starmer, addressing the escalating conflict, highlighted the potential impact on living costs and advocated for a negotiated settlement with Iran as the most effective way forward. Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey also emphasized the importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz to prevent a rise in interest rates.