Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, has strongly criticized the United Kingdom for permitting the United States to use British military bases, including RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire and Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, for operations targeting Iran. In a phone conversation with UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, Araghchi described this decision as “participation in aggression,” underscoring Iran’s view that such actions implicate the UK in the escalating conflict.
The US has been using these bases to conduct what it calls “defensive” strikes against Iranian missile sites. RAF Fairford has seen an increase in US military aircraft activity in recent weeks, drawing attention and concern from local residents.
Previously, the Iranian Ambassador to the UK, Seyed Ali Mousavi, emphasized Iran’s right to self-defense should Britain directly facilitate US and Israeli attacks. Mousavi suggested that RAF bases might become targets if used as launching points for offensive operations rather than strictly defensive support and acknowledged it was “good” that the UK had not yet become fully involved in the aggression.
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In a message posted on Telegram in Farsi, Araghchi stated that the UK’s cooperation with the US military “will definitely be considered as participation in aggression and will be recorded in the history of relations between the two countries.” He also reaffirmed Iran’s “inherent right to defend the country’s sovereignty and independence.”
The United Kingdom has faced ongoing criticism from former US President Donald Trump for its limited engagement in the Gulf conflict, particularly regarding support in the critical Strait of Hormuz region. Heightened tensions following Tehran’s disruption of shipping lanes and attacks on energy infrastructure have intensified global concerns about fossil fuel supplies.
Oil and gas prices, which experienced significant spikes recently, eased following a statement by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu announced a pause in further attacks on Iran’s gas fields, influenced by US President Joe Biden’s intervention, as the Iranian retaliation had sharply driven up energy costs.
Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has acknowledged the economic pressures families face amid rising living costs. Upcoming government measures aim to support households and revitalize communities. Ahead of Housing Secretary Steve Reed’s local engagements, Starmer stressed the importance of balancing international security concerns with domestic economic wellbeing. He also called for a negotiated settlement with Iran to avoid further damage to the UK’s cost of living and global stability.