The United Kingdom has temporarily withdrawn its remaining diplomatic staff from Iran as tensions involving the United States and Iran continue to escalate following a 12th consecutive night of airstrikes.
In a statement published on its website, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said the decision was prompted by the deteriorating security situation.
“Due to the security situation, UK staff have been temporarily withdrawn from Iran.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 advisory against all travel to Iran, warning that British nationals and dual British-Iranian citizens face a significant risk of arrest, questioning or detention.
Late on Wednesday, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said the latest wave of strikes was aimed at further reducing Iran’s ability to threaten civilian mariners and commercial vessels navigating regional waters.
Iranian state media reported that missiles struck areas near the western cities of Ahvaz, Ramshir and Andimeshk.
Meanwhile, Kuwait’s military said on X that its air defence systems had intercepted hostile drones following what it described as “the sinful Iranian aggression.”
Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump warned that the United States would respond by destroying one Iranian bridge or power plant for every ship targeted by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi vowed a reciprocal response, declaring that Iran would adopt an “eye for an eye” approach.
“Any aggression against Iran, including our infrastructure, will compel a powerful and decisive response,” Araghchi wrote on X on Wednesday.
The previous night of strikes saw Iranian air defence systems activated over the capital, Tehran, while Iran also launched a missile attack targeting a city in Jordan. Security alerts were simultaneously issued in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
Iran has also responded to U.S. military actions by targeting energy infrastructure 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.
Source:NAN
