Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that Britain will be treated as a "clear and legitimate target" if it supports the United States in any conflict with Tehran, as US bombers have recently operated from British airbases. An IRGC spokesman stated that any country backing Washington, including Gulf states, would face the same designation.
The UK government said it is ready to defend itself, while maintaining its long-standing policy permitting only US defensive operations from British soil — a stance unchanged under Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
Tensions escalated after President Donald Trump said he would consider resuming full-scale war with Iran if Washington's demands are not met. Following the warnings, Iranian armed forces intercepted six vessels attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz, while Tehran and Muscat reported progress in negotiations over managing strait traffic.