Iran Warns UK Against Deeper Involvement in Middle East War

Iran’s ambassador to the United Kingdom has warned Britain to be “very careful” about becoming further involved in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Seyed Ali Mousavi said Iran would consider it a right to defend itself if the UK directly joined US and Israeli attacks on Iranian territory.

Speaking in an interview with the BBC, Mousavi welcomed the fact that Britain had not taken part in direct strikes, though it has allowed the US to use British bases for what ministers describe as defensive operations. He suggested the UK had learned lessons from the 2003 invasion of Iraq and urged the government to act with caution.

The ambassador stressed that if military facilities or bases are used against Iran, they would be regarded as “legitimate targets.” He added that Iran’s response depends on the actions of the US and Israel, warning that continued aggression would lead to further retaliation.

The comments come as the war enters its second week. Since US and Israeli strikes began more than seven days ago, Iran has launched attacks across the region. Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Iraq, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates have all reported being hit. An RAF base in Cyprus was also targeted. On Saturday, Qatar and the UAE said they intercepted missiles fired towards them.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian issued a rare apology to Gulf neighbours over the disruption caused by the strikes. However, reports suggest Iranian attacks have continued despite the statement. Inside Iran, some hardliners criticised the president’s tone as weak.

Mousavi insisted Iran was not seeking to prolong the war or put civilians at risk, but argued that the country was only responding to aggression from Israel and the United States. He said Iran was willing not to attack neighbouring countries, but maintained the right to strike US bases wherever they are located in the region.

The interview was conducted inside Iran’s embassy in London, a building with a troubled history. In 1980, it was the site of a dramatic siege in which five gunmen were killed by SAS commandos after storming the building. Nineteen hostages were freed, though one died and two were injured.

Mousavi’s remarks underline Iran’s determination to continue its military response as long as strikes against it persist. While Tehran has apologised for some of the disruption, the ambassador made clear that the war will not end unless Israel and the US halt their attacks.