UK Withdraws Diplomatic Staff From Iran As Conflict Intensifies

The United Kingdom has withdrawn its remaining diplomatic staff from Iran as the conflict between Iran and the United States continued to escalate, with a 12th consecutive night of airstrikes.

In a statement published on its website, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said, “Due to the security situation, UK staff have been temporarily withdrawn from Iran. Our embassy continues to operate remotely.”

The FCDO also reiterated its advice against all travel to Iran, warning that British nationals and dual British-Iranian citizens face a significant risk of arrest, questioning or detention.

Meanwhile, the United States Central Command said late Wednesday that the latest wave of attacks was intended to “further degrade Iran’s ability to threaten civilian mariners and commercial vessels transiting regional waters.”

According to Iranian state media, missiles struck areas near the western cities of Ahvaz, Ramshir and Andimeshk.

Kuwait’s military also announced on X that its air defence systems were intercepting hostile drones following what it described as Iranian aggression.

Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump warned that Iran would face retaliation, saying one bridge or power plant would be destroyed for every ship targeted by Tehran in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi vowed a reciprocal response, describing Tehran’s approach as “an eye for an eye.”

“Any aggression against Iran, including our infrastructure, will compel a powerful and decisive response,” he wrote on X.

The previous night of fighting saw Iranian air defence systems activated over the capital, Tehran, while Iran also launched a missile attack on a Jordanian city. Air raid alerts were also sounded in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

Iran has responded to U.S. attacks 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.