The United Kingdom has temporarily withdrawn its remaining diplomatic staff from Iran as hostilities between the United States and Iran continue to escalate, with both sides exchanging attacks for a 12th consecutive night.
In a statement published on its website, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said the decision was taken due to the deteriorating security situation in Iran.
“Due to the security situation, UK staff have been temporarily withdrawn from Iran. Our embassy continues to operate remotely,” the statement read.
The FCDO also reiterated its advice against all travel to Iran, warning that British nationals, including dual British-Iranian citizens, face a significant risk of arrest, questioning or detention.
Meanwhile, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said the latest wave of overnight airstrikes was aimed at weakening Iran’s ability to threaten civilian shipping and commercial vessels operating in regional waters.
According to Iranian state media, missiles struck areas near the western Iranian cities of Ahvaz, Ramshir and Andimeshk during the attacks.
In Kuwait, the country’s military announced on X that its air defence systems had intercepted hostile drones following what it described as “sinful Iranian aggression.”
Earlier, US President Donald Trump warned that the United States would destroy one Iranian bridge or power plant for every commercial vessel attacked by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz.
Responding to the warning, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said Tehran would adopt an “eye for an eye” approach.
READ ALSO: Nearly 470 Million People in the Americas Living with Neurological Disorders – PAHO Study
“Any aggression against Iran, including our infrastructure, will compel a powerful and decisive response,” Araghchi wrote on X.
The previous night of fighting saw Iran’s air defence systems activated over the capital, Tehran, as fresh strikes hit the country.
Iran also launched missiles toward a Jordanian city, while air raid alerts were activated in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
In retaliation for recent US attacks, Iran has targeted energy facilities and desalination plants that supply drinking water to neighbouring Gulf states.
Under international law, attacks on civilian infrastructure are generally prohibited unless the facilities are being used for military purposes.
