Iranian ambassador warns UK bases are 'legitimate targets' after US bomber launches from RAF Fairford

A rare diplomatic warning from Iranian Ambassador Seyed Ali Mousavi has placed RAF Fairford at the center. Amid the ongoing West Asia war, Mousavi suggested that the UK’s decision to allow the US Air Force to arm and launch heavy bombers from Gloucestershire makes British assets "legitimate targets" in the current conflict. His warning creates a diplomatic headache for the Starmer government. While the UK has sought to project a de-escalatory tone, the operational reality of "defensive" US strikes launched from British soil is being viewed by Tehran as a "criminal act," potentially widening the theater of war to include UK sovereign territory.

Speaking to news outlet Times Radio, Mousavi said, “The initial position made by Prime Minister Starmer is very good. We do welcome the non-involvement in this criminal act of the American side and the Israeli regime. But unfortunately, now we have realised that the British Fairford military base has been serving for the B2 and B1, you know, jets of the American side to be equipped with different weapons to use against the Iranian people. It’s very unfortunate.”

When asked if the British bases and assets were legitimate targets for Iran, Mousavi said, “This is the very important matter we are considering. This is a very important matter for our self-defence.” He also said Tehran’s military “will decide appropriately” decide. Last week, UK Defence Secretary John Healey told MPs that US has permission to use UK bases for defensive strikes against specific Iranian targets, which includes missile sites and capabilities which threaten vessel movement through Strait of Hormuz. The government had also previously allowed US to use UK bases which included one on Diego Garcia. This was to hit missile sites targeting UK’s interests in the region.