‘Act of aggression against Iran’: Araghchi warns UK over US access to British military bases

Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi has warned the UK that its decision to permit the United States to use British military bases for strikes against the Islamic Republic amounts to an “act of aggression,” giving Tehran grounds to invoke its right to “self-defence.”According to Iran’s Press TV, Araghchi made the remarks during a telephone conversation with his British counterpart, Ed Miliband, on Friday.He described any cooperation with the “aggressors” — referring to the US — including arrangements made under the pretext of existing “defence agreements,” as “unacceptable.”According to Press TV, he argued that under international law and the Definition of Aggression resolution, allowing an aggressor state to use a nation’s territory and facilities to launch an "unlawful attack" against another country constitutes an act of aggression, granting the targeted state the right to resort to “self-defence.”The Iranian top diplomat also criticised what he called Britain’s “unjustified” and “inappropriate” approach toward Iran, citing London’s actions against the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps and its alleged involvement in two previous wars against the Islamic Republic. He urged the British government to reassess its stance.Araghchi further reiterated Tehran’s determination to respond to any US actions against Iran, warning third parties against assisting or enabling such operations.Miliband, meanwhile, asserted the UK “is not part of the war with Iran,” stressing that London supports diplomacy as the means to resolve disputes. He also highlighted the importance of maintaining dialogue with Tehran to improve bilateral relations and ease regional tensions.The comments came after UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, on July 21, a day after taking office, approved the continued use of British military bases by the US for operations targeting Iran, a policy inherited from his predecessor, Keir Starmer.Burnham, who took office after Starmer resigned following two years in a five-year term, was briefed on the arrangements and endorsed their continuation. The move means British military facilities could support what London describes as “some” ongoing US strikes.After becoming prime minister, Burnham also held a phone call with US President Donald Trump, during which he reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to what the allies have described as efforts to “protect maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.”(With ANI inputs)Catch the latest World News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.