Iran warns UK against allowing US to use military bases for strikes

Tehran: Iran has warned the United Kingdom against allowing the United States to use British military bases for strikes on Iranian territory, saying such a move would amount to an act of aggression under international law and give Tehran the right to respond in "self-defence."

The warning was issued by Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi during a telephone conversation with his British counterpart, Ed Miliband, on Friday, according to Iran's state-run Press TV.

Araghchi described any cooperation with countries carrying out attacks against Iran, including under existing "defense agreements," as "unacceptable."

He said that under international law and the Definition of Aggression resolution, permitting another country to use national territory or military facilities to launch an unlawful attack against a third country amounts to an act of aggression and entitles the targeted nation to exercise "self-defense," Press TV reported.

The Iranian foreign minister also criticised Britain's policy towards Tehran, calling London's stance "unjustified." He referred to Britain's actions against the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and accused the UK of complicity in two previous military campaigns targeting Iran. Araghchi urged the British government to reconsider its approach.

He further reiterated Iran's determination to respond to any US action against the Islamic Republic and cautioned other countries against facilitating such operations.

Responding to the concerns, Britain's foreign secretary said the UK "is not part of the war with Iran."

"We believe in diplomacy to resolve issues," Miliband said, adding that continued diplomatic engagement with Iran was necessary to improve bilateral ties and help reduce tensions in the region.

The remarks come after UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham reportedly approved the continued use of British military bases by the United States for operations involving Iran, continuing a policy initiated under former prime minister Keir Starmer, according to Press TV.

The report said officials had agreed that the US could continue using the Diego Garcia military base in the Indian Ocean and RAF Fairford in England for operations the UK describes as "defensive."

Burnham, who assumed office earlier this week, was briefed on the policy after taking charge and endorsed it, Press TV reported.

According to the report, British military facilities are expected to support what London describes as "some" ongoing US operations.

Following his appointment, Burnham also spoke with US President Donald Trump and reaffirmed the UK's commitment to what both allies describe as "protecting maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz," Press TV reported.