Iran threatens to attack U.S., U.K., and France bases if they intervene in strikes on Israel

Iran issued a stark warning to the United States, the United Kingdom, and France on Saturday, threatening to target their military bases and naval vessels in the region if they interfere with Tehran’s ongoing missile attacks against Israel.

The warning, reported by Iranian state media and cited by Reuters, comes amid heightened tensions following Israel’s wide-ranging aerial offensive on Iranian soil. Although Iran accused Western allies of aiding Israel in intercepting its retaliatory strikes, the U.K. government has strongly denied any involvement.

“Let me say clearly and unequivocally that Russia’s claims that the British sovereign bases on the island of Cyprus were in any way involved is nonsense,” said Barbara Woodward, the U.K.’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations. “It is deeply irresponsible at moments like this for Russia to be spreading disinformation.”

The British government reiterated its neutrality in the recent escalation. A spokesperson for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer told The Guardian that “the UK did not participate in Israel’s strikes overnight,” and that the Royal Air Force had not taken part in any action to down Iranian drones during the retaliatory exchange.

A separate statement issued by the British sovereign base areas in Cyprus on Friday confirmed that while forces were monitoring developments, “British forces, including the British bases, did not participate” in the airstrikes.

Despite the denial, the U.K. Foreign Office has updated its travel advisory for British citizens in Cyprus, cautioning that “ongoing hostilities in the region and between Israel and Iran could escalate quickly and pose security risks for the wider region.” It advised travelers to remain vigilant and follow the guidance of local authorities, while also warning of a “high threat of terrorist attack globally” against British nationals.

Historical Context of U.K. Involvement

The current accusations follow historical precedent. In October 2024, the U.K.’s bases in Cyprus were likely used as launchpads for British military support when Iran fired a barrage of missiles at Israel. At that time, the British Ministry of Defence confirmed that two RAF Typhoon fighter jets and a Voyager refueling aircraft were deployed in the region as part of “deterrence and de-escalation efforts.”

Although the aircraft did not engage any targets, British Defence Secretary John Healey said their deployment demonstrated the U.K.’s “unwavering commitment to Israel’s security,” praising personnel for their “courage and professionalism.”

Similar operations were reported in April 2024, when RAF jets in the Middle East were positioned to intercept airborne attacks within range, though no direct engagement was confirmed.

In a related development from February 2024, the U.K.'s sovereign bases in Cyprus were also used as launch sites for joint British-American airstrikes on Houthi-controlled targets in Yemen. The Houthi movement, a Shiite Islamist faction supported by Iran, controls significant territory in western Yemen and has been involved in missile and drone operations against Gulf and Western targets.

Regional Stability at Risk

The recent escalation between Iran and Israel has prompted fears of a broader regional conflict, with Gulf Arab states calling for restraint amid rising oil prices and concerns over maritime security. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital channel for global oil shipments, could be at risk, as Iranian officials have signaled the possibility of closing it in response to Western involvement.

While Iran's military capability has been weakened by prior regional conflicts, including in Gaza and Lebanon, Tehran’s warnings suggest it still sees Western military installations and assets as potential targets in its broader confrontation with Israel.