Defence Secretary Wes Streeting has dismissed Iran’s threats of attack against the UK as “sabre-rattling”, insisting Britain “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 what Iran had said, after the regime last week declared Britain a legitimate target because of its role supporting the US-led war against Iran. “We certainly shouldn’t be intimidated by what the regime has said this week,” he added.
The comments come as the new prime minister, Andy Burnham — who relocated part of No 10 to Manchester after his election — faces mounting international pressure. Streeting, appointed defence secretary under Burnham, reiterated that the UK “have not joined and will not join offensive US military action in Iran”. However, he confirmed that Britain has allowed the US to launch “defensive” operations from British bases hosting American personnel and aircraft. On maritime security, Streeting said the UK is ready to lead a naval mission to clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz “when the conditions are right”, warning that the crisis is driving up energy prices and the cost of living.
“Defence secretary Wes Streeting says UK 'ready to respond' to Iran attacks but dismisses threats as 'sabre-rattling'.”
Streeting also addressed Russia’s recent live-firing exercise in the English Channel, branding it “performative” but a “reminder of the frankly unsafe and unprofessional way in which they have been conducting themselves”. Calling the incident “irresponsible”, he said Russia poses a threat to UK security, adding that the public does not see “the enormous efforts that take place every day to counter Russian aggression”.
On diplomacy, Streeting said he is to meet US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth in the coming week after “kicking around” ideas to “bring the countries together”, and had been “delighted” to speak to Hegseth by phone already. The defence secretary’s robust stance underscores the government’s determination to project strength abroad even as Burnham focuses on domestic pledges — from freezing bus fares to supporting pubs — while ruling out an early election and sticking to “non-negotiable” fiscal rules.