Britain responds to Iran's threats and saber-rattling
UK Defense Secretary Wes Streeting (photo: facebook.com/wesstreetingmp)
The United Kingdom will not allow Iran to intimidate it with threats of attacks and is prepared to respond to any aggression against the country or its allies, according to UK Defense Secretary Wes Streeting, cited by BBC.
Response to threats issued by Iran
The British defense secretary urged people not to place too much weight on Tehran's saber-rattling.
He said the UK is fully prepared to defend its interests.
"We stand ready to respond to any attacks Iran wishes to wage against this country or our allies, and we will continue to do that," Streeting said.
He reaffirmed London's position on military involvement in the region, saying that the UK neither joined nor plans to join US offensive military operations against Iran.
At the same time, both sides fully agree on ensuring freedom of civilian navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Maritime security, US talks
Secretary Streeting said he will meet with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth next week to discuss coordinated actions.
The UK has also expressed its readiness to lead a naval mine-clearing mission in the Strait of Hormuz once conditions allow.
The security of this shipping route is critical to global energy prices and the cost of living.
Russia's actions in English Channel
The defense secretary also commented on the recent live-fire exercises conducted by a Russian warship in the English Channel, describing them as "performative, irresponsible, and unprofessional."
According to Streeting, the incident is another reminder of the threat posed by Russia, which British forces confront every day.
Pause in strikes, diplomatic efforts
Earlier, US President Donald Trump ordered a halt to strikes on Iran after 13 days of attacks on Iranian territory.
As a result, the United States has now maintained its pause in strikes against Iran for a second consecutive night. Washington has so far declined to officially comment on the reasons for suspending the attacks, while tensions in the region continue to rise amid Houthi activity.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts to stabilize the situation are continuing. According to media reports, Iran and Oman may agree on a plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to restore safe civilian shipping.
