Key facts
- Iran's Revolutionary Guards declared Britain a "definite and legitimate target" if it supports the U.S. in a war.
- The Guards cited U.S. bombers using British airfields as justification for the threat.
- The UK government stated its armed forces are prepared to defend the nation 24/7.
- Iran's foreign ministry accused the UK of being an "accomplice" in the U.S. war.
- The U.S. has conducted 13 consecutive nights of strikes against targets in Iran.
- British bases have been used by the U.S. for operations targeting Iranian military infrastructure.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards have issued a stark warning, stating that Britain would become a "definite and legitimate target" if it supports the United States in any future conflict with Tehran. A spokesperson for the Guards cited the use of British airfields by U.S. bombers as a basis for this threat, according to Iranian state broadcaster IRIB.
The UK government has responded assertively, declaring that its armed forces are prepared to defend the nation around the clock against any attacks, whether on home soil or from abroad. Iran's foreign ministry further escalated tensions by labeling the UK an "accomplice" in the U.S. war, while the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) military wing warned that any nation providing military support to the U.S. would be held responsible for the repercussions.
These threats come amid ongoing U.S. military actions, with U.S. Central Command reporting the completion of its 13th consecutive night of strikes against targets in Iran, aimed at degrading its ability to threaten maritime traffic. Previously, permission was granted for the U.S. to utilize British bases, such as RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia, for operations against Iranian military infrastructure. The UK Ministry of Defence has not confirmed recent U.S. operations from RAF Fairford.
Historically, Iran's ambassador to London had previously cautioned about Iran's right to self-defense if the UK joined the conflict. In March, Iran launched ballistic missiles toward the UK's Diego Garcia base, with one reportedly intercepted by a U.S. warship. While analysts have raised doubts about the reliability of Iran's missile arsenal, the country has been accused of possessing missiles theoretically capable of reaching the UK.