Defence Secretary Wes Streeting has warned that Iran's “sabre-rattling” threats should not intimidate Britain, insisting the UK “stands ready to respond to any attacks Iran wishes to wage against this country or our allies”.
Speaking to the BBC, Streeting said the UK should not put “too much stock” in the regime's recent statement that Britain was a legitimate target because of its role supporting the US/Israel war on Iran. He added: “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.”
“Wes Streeting says UK should not be intimidated by Iran threats, as UK prepares to lead mine-clearing mission in Strait of Hormuz.”
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. Streeting repeated that position: “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 Strait of Hormuz, that's where we are absolutely aligned.”
Streeting said he is to meet US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth in the coming week after “kicking around” ideas for ways “to bring the countries together”. 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”, citing the impact of the crisis on energy prices and the cost of living.
The defence secretary also dismissed a Russian warship's recent live-firing exercise in the English Channel as “performative”, but called it a “reminder of the frankly unsafe and unprofessional way in which they have been conducting themselves”. Branding the incident “irresponsible”, Streeting said Russia posed a threat to UK security, adding that the public does not see “the enormous efforts that take place every day to counter Russian aggression”.
The stark warnings come as the UK balances deterrence against Iran and Russia while navigating its role in US-led operations in the Middle East.