The UK has hit back at Iran after it issued a warning that it considers allowing US forces to use British bases to launch attacks on Tehran as “participating in aggression” and said it had a right to respond.
Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi cautioned against Britain’s involvement in Donald Trump’s war and criticised the “negative and biased approach of Britain” in a phone call with the home secretary, Yvette Cooper.
He said the actions “will definitely be considered as participation in aggression and will be recorded in the history of relations between the two countries”.
In a chilling post written in Farsi on Telegram, Mr Araghchi claimed he told Ms Cooper: “At the same time, we reserve our inherent right to defend the country’s sovereignty and independence.”
But Downing Street defended the government’s “clear position”, and insisted the UK is “not getting drawn into the wider war”.
The prime minister’s official spokesperson said: “So our position is very clear. We didn’t participate in the initial strikes, and we’re not getting drawn into the wider war.
“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.”
The row comes as Donald Trump launched a fresh attack on Nato allies, including the UK, calling them “cowards” as he claimed they had failed to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
The US president is reportedly considering plans to occupy or blockade Iran’s Kharg Island to pressure the country into reopening the waterway, crucial to the globe’s oil supply, a move that would represent a major escalation of the war if it involved ground troops.
The row comes despite Sir Keir Starmer’s attempts not to be drawn into the wider conflict in the Middle East, after he faced criticism for not joining the initial US-Israeli strikes on Iran.
The UK has since allowed US forces to use British bases, including RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, to launch “limited and defensive” missions targeting Iranian missile capabilities.
The prime minister has been forced to reject criticism from both opponents and allies that Britain had not acted fast enough when fighting broke out, and said that he “stands by” his decision not to join in the initial US-Israeli strikes on Tehran.
But the government later announced it would allow US forces to use British bases to launch missions against Iran, defending the decision as one that would protect British nationals and interests.
Former defence minister and soldier Tobias Ellwood hit out at the Iranians, accusing them of trying to “rattle” the UK.
Mr Ellwood told The Independent: “It’s expected and designed to rattle us and sow division.”
Housing secretary Steve Reed defended Sir Keir’s approach to the war, saying the prime minister has been “very measured in his approach to the conflict”.
He said: “He took the decision, quite rightly, not to involve the United Kingdom in the initial attacks against Iran, but it is quite right that the UK should defend British nationals.”
Government minister Emma Reynolds earlier insisted the government was “absolutely right to protect and defend” the 300,000 British nationals currently in the Middle East.
The environment secretary told Sky News: “But we are also right not to be an active participant. For example, we were called on to provide basis for offensive attacks in Iran, and the prime minister refused to allow UK bases to be [used] on that basis.
“We haven’t been dragged into this war, and we do want to see a de-escalation of this conflict.”
She insisted the bases are “only being used for defensive purposes”, and pressed on the fact Iran was not making the same distinction, she said: “With respect, I’m not on your programme to negotiate with the Iranian regime.
“What I’m stating is the government’s position, which is our UK bases are only being used by US or our allies to defend our own people in the region.”
The warning comes as conflict continues to unfold across the Middle East, after the US has launched a fresh offensive to reopen the Strait of Hormuz after Iran blocked the passage of shipping vessels.
Washington has deployed low-flying jets and Apache helicopters to strike Iranian vessels and drones near the shipping lane as part of renewed efforts to reopen the passageway, currently under Iranian control.
The effective closure of the key oil route has driven fuel costs to soar globally, raising fresh concerns that energy prices in the UK could rise by £300 in the summer.
The prime minister has acknowledged the added cost of living pressures Britons are facing as many brace for energy bills to rise later in the year.
Mr Reed will meet local people and community leaders to discuss ministers’ efforts to protect their finances on Friday.
Ahead of the visit, Sir Keir said: “I know how much pressure rising costs can put on families here in the South East and beyond – especially when there is uncertainty on the global stage.
“That’s why this government is acting to protect household budgets, keep everyday costs down and provide reassurance at home – while listening directly to people about what matters most to them.”
Sir Keir has said that the longer the conflict continues, “the bigger the impact on the cost of living”, arguing that “the best way forward is a negotiated settlement with Iran”.
