UK Defence Minister Speaks Well for UK Security on Iran Conflict
London — UK Defence Secretary John Healey has revealed that two Iranian missiles were fired in the direction of Cyprus, where British military bases are located, following recent US-Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Speaking to Trevor Phillips on Sky News on Sunday morning, Mr Healey addressed the escalating tensions in the Middle East and the potential threat to British assets in the region.
“We are not sure if they were intentionally aimed at our bases”, Mr Healey said, referring to the missiles fired towards the Eastern Mediterranean island.
The Defence Secretary also highlighted the proximity of UK personnel to other targets in the region, noting that 300 British military personnel were located close to targets in Bahrain.
Condemnation of the Regime
While tensions rise, Mr Healey made clear the UK government’s view of the Iranian leadership. When asked about the recent attacks, he stated: “Few people will mourn the Ayatollah’s death”.
However, he emphasised that his current concern is focused on the repercussions of the attacks on Iran and the stability of the wider region.
Mr Healey listed a series of grievances against Tehran, citing the regime's history of aggression. He pointed to, "20 terror plots on the UK’s streets organised by Iran", the death of, "tens of thousands of its own citizens", and the supply of, "50,000 drones to Russia to attack Ukraine".
“Make no mistake that this is a regime which harasses other countries and can never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon”, he added.
Questions on Legality and UK Involvement
The Defence Secretary was pressed on the legality of the US-Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Mr Healey declined to comment on whether the actions were legal, deferring the judgment to Washington.
“That is for the US to set out and explain. It's not for me, as Defence Secretary of the UK, I'm here to speak for the UK”, he said.
Instead, he focused on the UK’s defensive posture. “I can speak for the very active participation that we have in coordinated defence across the region”.
When asked whether the UK might be drawn into joining the US and Israel in direct operations against Iran, Mr Healey declined to speculate on future military involvement.
He concluded by reiterating the government's stance on the nature of the Iranian regime, stating: “No one who has seen the way that Iran has menaced us and sponsored terror around the world, been a source of instability in the region, and is developing a nuclear weapons program, can be under any doubt about the character of this regime, and the threat it poses”.
Speaking to Trevor Phillips on Sky News on Sunday morning, Mr Healey addressed the escalating tensions in the Middle East and the potential threat to British assets in the region.
“We are not sure if they were intentionally aimed at our bases”, Mr Healey said, referring to the missiles fired towards the Eastern Mediterranean island.
The Defence Secretary also highlighted the proximity of UK personnel to other targets in the region, noting that 300 British military personnel were located close to targets in Bahrain.
Condemnation of the Regime
While tensions rise, Mr Healey made clear the UK government’s view of the Iranian leadership. When asked about the recent attacks, he stated: “Few people will mourn the Ayatollah’s death”.
However, he emphasised that his current concern is focused on the repercussions of the attacks on Iran and the stability of the wider region.
Mr Healey listed a series of grievances against Tehran, citing the regime's history of aggression. He pointed to, "20 terror plots on the UK’s streets organised by Iran", the death of, "tens of thousands of its own citizens", and the supply of, "50,000 drones to Russia to attack Ukraine".
“Make no mistake that this is a regime which harasses other countries and can never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon”, he added.
Questions on Legality and UK Involvement
The Defence Secretary was pressed on the legality of the US-Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Mr Healey declined to comment on whether the actions were legal, deferring the judgment to Washington.
“That is for the US to set out and explain. It's not for me, as Defence Secretary of the UK, I'm here to speak for the UK”, he said.
Instead, he focused on the UK’s defensive posture. “I can speak for the very active participation that we have in coordinated defence across the region”.
When asked whether the UK might be drawn into joining the US and Israel in direct operations against Iran, Mr Healey declined to speculate on future military involvement.
He concluded by reiterating the government's stance on the nature of the Iranian regime, stating: “No one who has seen the way that Iran has menaced us and sponsored terror around the world, been a source of instability in the region, and is developing a nuclear weapons program, can be under any doubt about the character of this regime, and the threat it poses”.
Comments
Post a Comment