JUST IN: Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi Says: “Ignoring his own People, Mr Starmer is putting British lives in danger by allowing UK bases to be used for aggression against Iran. Iran will exercise its right to self-defence…

In a sharply worded statement amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has directly criticized British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, accusing him of endangering British citizens by permitting UK military bases to support US operations against Iran.

Araghchi posted on X (formerly Twitter) late on March 20: “Vast majority of the British People do not want any part in the Israel-U.S. war of choice on Iran. Ignoring his own People, Mr. Starmer is putting British lives in danger by allowing UK bases to be used for aggression against Iran. Iran will exercise its right to self-defense.”
The remarks come in response to the UK government’s recent approval for the United States to utilize British military facilities—including bases in the region and potentially others like Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean—for strikes targeting Iranian missile sites. These sites have been linked to attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global trade route.
Araghchi’s post echoed comments he made during a phone call with UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper (some reports reference Foreign Secretary), where he described the UK’s cooperation as “participation in aggression.” He reportedly told Cooper that such actions would be “recorded in the history of relations between the two countries” and demanded Britain halt any support for US operations. He also criticized what he called the UK’s “negative and biased” stance toward the conflict, which Iran frames as a violation of international law.
The Iranian minister emphasized Tehran’s commitment to defending its sovereignty under Article 51 of the UN Charter, which permits self-defense against armed attacks. This rhetoric aligns with Iran’s broader narrative portraying the ongoing hostilities— involving the US, Israel, and now indirect UK involvement—as an unprovoked “war of choice.”
The UK’s decision marks a shift, as earlier reports suggested Prime Minister Starmer had initially resisted full US access to British bases for direct strikes on Iran. However, amid intensifying regional exchanges—including Iranian missile attempts on the joint US-UK base at Diego Garcia—the government appears to have aligned more closely with Washington.
No immediate official response from Downing Street has been issued to Araghchi’s specific accusations, though UK officials have reiterated warnings against Iran targeting British interests or territory directly. The Foreign Office has stressed that cooperation focuses on regional stability and countering threats to international shipping.
The statement has drawn significant attention on social media, with Araghchi’s original post garnering tens of thousands of likes, reposts, and views. It has been widely shared by Iranian state-affiliated outlets and international observers, highlighting divisions over Western involvement in the conflict.
As the situation develops, the exchange underscores the risks of escalation in an already volatile region, where diplomatic channels remain strained and military posturing continues on multiple fronts. Iran has maintained that its actions are defensive, while Western allies argue they are necessary to protect global navigation and deter further aggression.
This latest warning from Tehran serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences for nations perceived as facilitating strikes against Iran, raising questions about the UK’s role in the broader US-Israel-Iran confrontation.