Iranian Ambassador Warns UK to Exercise Caution in Escalating Conflict

In an exclusive interview with the BBC, Iran’s ambassador to the UK, Seyed Ali Mousavi, urged the United Kingdom to tread carefully as it considers deeper engagement in the Middle East war. He emphasized that Iran would assert its right to self-defense if the UK participated in direct strikes against Iranian targets by the U.S. and Israel. Mousavi described the British government’s approach as “delicate” and “careful,” reflecting Iran’s expectations for measured actions from its allies.

Historical Tensions at the Embassy

Located near London’s Hyde Park, the Iranian embassy has become a symbol of the complex relationship between Iran and the West. In 1980, it was the site of a dramatic siege where five Iranian militants were killed by SAS commandos, freeing 19 hostages. The event marked a pivotal moment in the region’s history, with casualties underscoring the risks of conflict. The ambassador’s recent decision to host the BBC interview at the embassy highlights both the persistence of tensions and a rare effort to engage with Western media.

While the UK has permitted U.S. forces to use its bases for defensive operations against Iran, it has not launched direct attacks itself. Mousavi praised this stance, noting that Iran’s response to aggression is proportional. However, he warned that if the U.S. and Israel continue their strikes, Iran will retaliate across the entire region. Recent attacks have already targeted Gulf states like Qatar and the UAE, as well as U.S. bases in Cyprus and Iraq.

“If facilities or properties or bases are used against the Iranian nation, they will be considered legitimate targets,” Mousavi stated, underscoring Iran’s justification for its military actions.

Despite President Masoud Pezeshkian’s public apology to Gulf neighbors, some Iranian hardliners view it as insufficient. The apology, though notable, has not halted the country’s strikes, with reports confirming ongoing attacks. Mousavi clarified that Iran aims to strike only in response to U.S. and Israeli aggression, not to endanger neighboring populations or extend the conflict unnecessarily.

As the conflict enters its second week, the ambassador emphasized that Iran’s strategy depends on the actions of its adversaries. “If the aggression continues, there is no doubt we will defend ourselves,” he said, stressing that retaliation is a calculated response. The ambassador also denied that Iran initiated the conflict, pointing to the U.S. and Israel as primary aggressors.

The war began more than seven days ago when U.S. and Israeli forces launched strikes on Iranian targets, prompting Tehran’s counterattacks. While Pezeshkian’s apology addresses some regional fallout, it has not curbed the broader escalation. Mousavi’s willingness to speak publicly and host the interview at the embassy signals a shift in diplomatic tone, even as the war’s toll continues across the Middle East.