Britain’s armed forces are ready round-the-clock to defend London against any attack by Iran, say defence chiefs.
They issued the clear statement on preparedness to protect the capital and other parts of the country after Iran claimed Britain would “bear responsibility” for allowing the US to use British bases for Donald Trump’s war.
Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has accused the UK Government of “complicity in the crime of aggression and war crimes” by allowing the US to carry out “unlawful attacks”.
Tehran says that anyone who supports “military aggression against Iran will bear responsibility for the consequences and repercussions of its decision”.
Britain has refused to take part in Trump’s offensive campaigns against Iran.
But Sir Keir Starmer’s Government gave the go-ahead for the US to launch defensive strikes from British bases hosting American forces such as RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.
New Prime Minister Andy Burnham is maintaining this stance on the Iran conflict.
Fears have been raised that Iranian missiles might be able to reach London after two were launched unsuccessfully by Tehran at the Diego Garcia joint UK-US military bases on the Chagos Island, some 2,400 miles from Iran in the India Ocean.
But the Ministry of Defence stressed: “Our armed forces are ready to keep the United Kingdom safe from any kind of attacks, whether it’s on our soil or from abroad. The UK stands ready 24/7 to defend itself.
“This includes through operating a layered approach to air and missile defence, provided by Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force assets equipped with a range of advanced capabilities, working closely with our Nato allies.
“The UK’s approach to the conflict remains the same – we are committed to defending our people, our interests and our allies, acting in accordance with international law and not getting drawn into the wider conflict.”
Former Cabinet Secretary and ex-National Security Adviser Lord Sedwill has suggested that London may need an Israel-style “Iron Dome” for its defences.
As the Iran war reignites, amid the stand-off over the Strait of Hormuz, Britain has withdrawn diplomatic staff from Tehran.
US forces carried out on Thursday their 13 consecutive night of strikes against targets in Iran, indicating potential further escalation.
Iran’s comments also come after the Government moved to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps a threat to national security.
Those carrying out acts of sabotage on behalf of the group will face life imprisonment.
It follows a series of arson attacks in London earlier this year and a double stabbing in Golders Green.
US Central Command said the 13th night of strikes on Iran, which began late on Thursday, were designed to “further degrade Iran’s ability to threaten civilian mariners and commercial vessels transiting regional waters” as the two countries wrestle for control of the Strait of Hormuz.
Explosions were heard in Bandar Abbas and Qesham on the coast, according to Iranian state media, as well as further north in Andimeshk and Omidiyeh.
Announcing the end of the latest strikes, US Central Command said Iranian military command centres, drone storage facilities, communication networks, coastal surveillance sites and maritime capabilities had been targeted.
Their statement said the Strait of Hormuz “remains open for transit despite recent attacks from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps”.
Mr Trump on Thursday said he would “hold Iran responsible” for attacks on shipping by the Houthis in Yemen and the US would seize Iranian assets to cover the cost of damaged ships.
Iran’s foreign minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi described such an act as “incendiary”.
He said on social media on Friday: “Those who celebrate or profit from such funds should remember: once governments normalize confiscation, no one’s assets are safe. Ensuing chaos will not be pretty or peaceful.”
