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By Open Chronicle News Desk with Agencies
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has warned that any British military base used by the United States to launch attacks against Iranian territory would be considered a “legitimate target,” significantly raising tensions between Tehran and London amid renewed instability in the Middle East.
In a statement released on Thursday, the IRGC accused the United Kingdom of playing a major role in recent U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran and cautioned Britain against becoming more deeply involved in the conflict.
The warning comes as the fragile ceasefire reached last month faces increasing strain following renewed confrontations around the Strait of Hormuz.
IRGC singles out RAF Fairford
The IRGC claimed that the United States had recently used RAF Fairford, a Royal Air Force station in Gloucestershire, England, as a launch point for B-1 Lancer strategic bombers after American naval forces operating in the Indian Ocean had exhausted supplies of cruise missiles.
According to the Iranian military statement, any military installation supporting attacks against Iran would be regarded as a legitimate military objective.
“Any base used for aggression against Iranian territory is a legitimate target for us,” the IRGC declared.
The statement did not provide evidence to support its claims regarding the use of RAF Fairford.
Britain accused of expanding its role
Beyond the warning, the IRGC sharply criticized the United Kingdom’s regional policies, accusing London of contributing to instability across the Middle East.
The organization alleged that Britain had become “a principal architect of instability” and claimed it played one of the most significant roles in recent joint military operations conducted by the United States and Israel against Iranian targets.
The remarks represent one of Tehran’s strongest public warnings directed at Britain since the latest escalation began.
British authorities had not immediately responded publicly to the allegations.
Claims of strike on Al-Udeid Air Base
The IRGC also reiterated earlier claims that Iranian forces had targeted a U.S. electronic warfare installation at Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
According to the Iranian statement, the attack damaged the facility’s air traffic control tower.
The United States has not publicly confirmed those claims, and independent verification has not been available.
Al-Udeid remains one of the largest American military installations in the Middle East and serves as a key operational hub for U.S. Central Command.
Tehran rejects renewed negotiation efforts
The Iranian military also accused Washington of using diplomatic initiatives as a means of rebuilding military capabilities before launching additional operations.
According to the IRGC, Tehran will not allow the United States to benefit from what it described as “deceptive ceasefires.”
Iranian officials argued that calls for renewed negotiations are intended to provide time for the United States to reposition forces and replenish weapons rather than achieve a lasting political settlement.
The remarks suggest that confidence between the two sides remains extremely limited despite previous diplomatic contacts.
Tensions continue after memorandum of understanding
Regional tensions have remained elevated since the United States and Israel launched a joint military offensive against Iran earlier this year.
Tehran responded with missile and drone attacks targeting Israeli territory and U.S. military assets across the Gulf region, significantly raising fears of a broader regional conflict.
Although Pakistan mediated a memorandum of understanding last month aimed at ending hostilities, the agreement has come under increasing pressure.
Disputes surrounding navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, along with renewed exchanges of military strikes and increasingly forceful rhetoric from both Washington and Tehran, have contributed to the deterioration of the security situation.
Regional security concerns grow
The latest warning directed at Britain highlights the growing risk that additional countries could become more directly involved should hostilities continue to expand.
Military analysts note that threats against overseas bases represent a significant escalation in rhetoric, particularly given the strategic importance of British and American facilities across Europe and the Middle East.
With diplomatic efforts struggling to regain momentum and military activity continuing across multiple theatres, concerns remain high that further escalation could threaten regional stability, international shipping routes and global energy markets.