UK withdraws diplomats from Iran as US airstrikes continue

The United Kingdom has temporarily withdrawn its remaining diplomatic staff from Iran as fighting between Iran and the United States continues.

The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said the decision was taken because of the worsening security situation.

Although embassy staff have left the country, the British embassy is still operating remotely.

The UK also advised its citizens not to travel to Iran, warning that British nationals and people with dual British-Iranian citizenship face a high risk of arrest, questioning or detention.

The United States Central Command said Wednesday night’s attacks were aimed at reducing Iran’s ability to threaten commercial ships and civilian vessels travelling through regional waters.

Iranian state media reported that missiles hit areas near the cities of Ahvaz, Ramshir and Andimeshk in western Iran.

Kuwait’s military said it had intercepted hostile drones following what it described as Iranian aggression.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump warned that the US would destroy one Iranian bridge or power plant for every ship attacked by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, said the country would respond firmly to any attack on its territory or infrastructure.

He said Iran would adopt an “eye for an eye” approach, warning that any aggression would be met with a strong and decisive response.

On the previous night, air defence systems were activated over Tehran as strikes continued. Iran also launched a missile attack on a city in Jordan, while security alerts were issued in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

Iran has also targeted energy facilities and desalination plants in neighbouring Gulf countries following US attacks. These facilities supply drinking water to millions of people.

International law generally prohibits attacks on civilian infrastructure unless it is being used for military purposes.