Iranian ambassador warns UK to be ‘very careful’ about further involvement in war
Iranian Ambassador Warns UK to Exercise Caution in War Escalation
Iran’s envoy to the UK, Seyed Ali Mousavi, has urged the United Kingdom to remain vigilant as it considers deeper engagement in the Middle East conflict. During an exclusive BBC interview with Laura Kuenssberg, he emphasized that Iran would assert its “right to self-defence” if the UK participated in U.S.-Israeli strikes targeting Iranian interests. Mousavi highlighted the need for the British government to act “with precision and care” in its military decisions.
Currently, the UK has permitted the U.S. to use its bases for defensive operations against Iranian targets, though it has not launched direct attacks. The ambassador praised this stance, calling it “positive” that the UK had not “joined this aggression.” He also linked the decision to lessons learned from the 2003 invasion of Iraq, suggesting the British government had grown more cautious in its approach.
Regional Attacks Continue Amid Diplomatic Tensions
Despite a recent apology from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to Gulf allies, reports indicate attacks on U.S. and Israeli targets persist. Mousavi clarified that Iran would not halt strikes on military installations beyond Israel, as long as the U.S. and its allies continue their assaults. “If facilities or properties are targeted in response to Iranian interests, they are legitimate,” he stated, underscoring Iran’s defensive rationale.
Over the past week, strikes have affected multiple nations, including Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, alongside an RAF base in Cyprus. While Qatar and the UAE intercepted missiles targeting them, the scale of the conflict has raised concerns about its indiscriminate nature. Mousavi insisted Iran’s actions were a measured response to external aggression, not a broader regional campaign.
Historical Context at the Embassy
Speaking in the shadow of Iran’s embassy in London—a site of historical significance—the ambassador underscored the country’s resolve. The building, situated near Hyde Park, was the location of a 1980 siege where SAS commandos neutralized five Iranian militants opposing Ayatollah Khomeini. The incident resulted in the release of 19 hostages, though one fatality and two injuries occurred during the exchange of fire.
Though rare, the ambassador’s willingness to engage in the interview reflected a shift in Iran’s diplomatic posture. Yet, the ongoing attacks have sparked debate within the country, with some hardliners dismissing the apology as insufficient. Mousavi’s remarks, framed alongside a banner of the supreme leader, highlighted Iran’s determination to counter U.S. and Israeli actions wherever they occur.
“If the aggression… continues, there is no doubt we will defend ourselves,” Mousavi asserted, emphasizing Iran’s readiness to respond to perceived threats. “And if they want to use these military bases—although we don’t want to do that—there is no doubt we will defend ourselves accordingly.”
The conflict has entered its second week, with Iran vowing to sustain its strikes as long as the U.S. and Israel maintain their offensive. While the country has apologized for some disruptions, the ambassador’s words signal a continued stance of resistance, rooted in both historical grievances and current geopolitical pressures.