Mumbai, March 21: Amid the ongoing conflict involving Israel and the United States, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi has issued a stern warning to the United Kingdom. He stated on Saturday that if the UK’s involvement in the current conflict escalates, Tehran will respond accordingly.
In a post on the social media platform ‘X’, Araghchi wrote, “Most of the British public do not wish to be part of the war chosen by Israel and the U.S. against Iran. By ignoring their own citizens, Keir Starmer is endangering British lives by allowing military bases to be used for aggressive actions against Iran. Iran will exercise its right to self-defense.”
This statement comes at a time when reports indicate that U.S. forces have been granted access to British military bases. According to officials, Araghchi expressed similar concerns during a phone conversation with UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, warning that such cooperation would be seen as participation in aggression against Iran.
However, the British government has opposed this stance. During the same conversation, Cooper warned Iran against targeting UK bases, regions, or interests, stating that such actions could escalate tensions further.
Tensions have heightened following Iran’s launch of two ballistic missiles towards Diego Garcia, a significant U.S.-UK military base located in the Indian Ocean. Both missiles failed to reach their target; one malfunctioned mid-flight, while the other was intercepted by the U.S. Navy. It remains unclear whether the latter was completely destroyed.
This attempted attack has raised concerns regarding Iran’s missile capabilities, as Diego Garcia is approximately 4,000 kilometers from Iranian territory, suggesting a greater range than previously estimated. This base plays a crucial role in regional security, housing U.S. bombers, nuclear submarines, and guided-missile destroyers.
Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has stated that Britain does not seek a broad military role in the Middle East conflict. Earlier this week, he affirmed that the UK would not engage in a major war. However, he is considering options to support allies, which may include naval deployments to secure maritime routes in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
Starmer acknowledged the complexity of the situation, noting that decisions regarding military involvement are challenging, especially under U.S. pressure. He emphasized that the UK is committed to protecting its interests and allies while striving for a diplomatic solution to restore stability in the region.
Arpit Soni has had a passion for journalism since the beginning. Now he has turned this hobby into his profession. Arpit, who is a resident of Udaipur, enjoys editing and writing news related to journalism. He has worked as a Senior Content Producer in several important roles at Bhaskar, Patrika, Pratahkal, Punjab Kesari, and Times. Arpit completed his schooling in Udaipur and Jaipur. He has been working in the media industry for more than 10 years, and his journey is still continuing. ✍️📚
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