Iran's 'sabre-rattling' should not intimidate UK, Wes Streeting says
UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting has dismissed recent threats from Iran as 'sabre-rattling' and urged the public not to be intimidated. He reaffirmed the UK's commitment to maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz while maintaining that the UK will not join offensive US military operations in Iran.
Why it matters
The statement clarifies the UK's geopolitical stance regarding the ongoing conflict, balancing support for US allies with a refusal to participate in direct offensive military action.
Figure caption, Are Iran and Russia a threat to the UK?
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting says the UK should not be intimidated by "sabre-rattling" threats of attack from Iran.
Last week, the regime said the country was a legitimate target because of its role supporting the US/Israel war on Iran.
Speaking to the BBC, Streeting said Britain should not put "too much stock" on what Iran had 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 added.
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.
UK complacent about war threat, warns BAE boss
Published 2 days ago Who's in Andy Burnham's cabinet?
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in