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A cabinet minister has refused to be drawn on whether the UK would support the US if it decided to take military action against Iran amid widespread protests in the country.
Transport secretary Heidi Alexander said she was “not going to get into commentary on the comments from another country about their foreign policy or military plans”.
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So far, the UK government has issued statements of support to the protesters in Iran but has steered away from commenting on whether the US should intervene.
Speaking to Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips, Ms Alexander said the UK’s priority was to “stem the violence”.
Pressed on whether the UK would support threats of “aggressive action” in Iran by the United States, Ms Alexander said: “I’m not going to get into commentary on the comments from another country about their foreign policy or military plans. I’m simply not going to do it.”
It comes amid ongoing and widespread protests against the Iranian regime that began over the failing economy but grew into opposition with the government itself.
US President Donald Trump has fuelled suggestions he could be prepared to take action against Tehran, saying Iran is “looking for freedom” and he stands “ready to help”.
His words are being interpreted with added weight after the Trump administration captured Nicolas Maduro from Venezuela. Maduro is facing drug trafficking charges in New York.
The US also launched airstrikes against Iran last summer.
In contrast to the government’s position, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has indicated she would back the UK taking military action in…
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