Wes Streeting has said the UK should not be intimidated by what he described as “sabre-rattling” threats of attack from Iran, after Tehran said Britain was a legitimate target because of its role supporting the US/Israel war on Iran. Speaking to the BBC, the Defence Secretary said Britain should not put “too much stock” in what Iran had said and said the UK would be ready to respond to any attacks against the country or its allies.
What did Streeting say about Iran?
Streeting said Britain should not be intimidated by the Iranian regime’s comments this week and stressed that the UK would defend itself and its allies if attacked. He said:
“We stand ready to response to any attacks Iran wishes to wage against this country or our allies and we will continue to do that”
He was asked whether Iran had the capability to attack the UK and replied:
“I think we shouldn't put too much stock in the sabre-rattling of Iran, and we certainly shouldn't be intimidated by what the regime has said this week”
Streeting also repeated the UK’s position from the outset of the US war against Iran, saying:
“we have not joined and will not join offensive US military action in Iran.
“That's an area where we have not agreed with the United States, but when it comes to securing maritime freedom and free commercial shipping in the straight Hormuz, that's where we are absolutely aligned”
The UK has allowed the US to launch “defensive” operations from British bases hosting American personnel and aircraft, while refusing to cooperate in offensive operations against Iran.
How is the UK working with the US?
Streeting said he is due to meet US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth in the coming week after “kicking around” ideas for ways “to bring the countries together” and said he had already been “delighted” to speak to Hegseth by phone.
He also said the UK is ready to lead a naval mission to help remove mines from the Strait of Hormuz “when the conditions are right”. Securing safe shipping routes through the area was important because of the impact the crisis is having on energy prices and the cost of living, he added.
What did he say about Russia?
Streeting also dismissed a Russian warship’s recent live-firing exercise in the English Channel as “performative”, but said it was a “reminder of the frankly unsafe and unprofessional way in which they have been conducting themselves”.
Branding the Channel incident “irresponsible”, Streeting said Russia posed a threat to UK security and added that the public does not see
“the enormous efforts that take place every day to counter Russian aggression”
What else is happening around the conflict?
The remarks come as concern continues over the wider impact of conflict involving Iran, the US and Israel, including risks to maritime security, energy prices and the cost of living in the UK. Streeting’s comments also follow warnings that the UK should not be complacent about the threat of war.
Key Facts
- Iran said the UK was a legitimate target because of its role supporting the US/Israel war on Iran.
- Streeting said the UK would not join offensive US military action in Iran.
- The UK has allowed US “defensive” operations from British bases hosting American personnel and aircraft.
- Streeting said the UK is ready to lead a naval mission to remove mines from the Strait of Hormuz when conditions are right.
- He described a Russian warship’s live-firing exercise in the English Channel as “performative” and “irresponsible”.
