Iran showdown: Francois issues warning as tensions erupt after Iraq airstrike

Friday’s assassination, which was ordered by US President Donald Trump, has dramatically increased tensions between the West and the Islamic Republic, with Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif promising what he called a “proportionate” response. Tens of thousands of Iranians turned out for Gen Soleimani’s funeral in Tehran today, with 32 people killed as crowds stampeded, indicating the intensity of feeling in a country where he is generally regarded as a national hero.

The prospect of Iranian retaliation also raises the possibility of the UK being dragged into any consequent conflict, with former First Sea Lord, Lord West, telling Express.co.uk Britain may be viewed as a “softer target” than the US.

Mr Francois, who served as armed forces minister from 2013 to 2015, told Express.co.uk: “I do not mourn the death of this man, who’s responsible for the deaths of hundreds of people.

“But it is important to note that if the UK was involved in any long-term military commitment in the region, this would require the approval of Parliament.

“Thus it would have to be debated accordingly.”

Boris Johnson is to chair a meeting of the National Security Council as Britain continues to urge all sides in the Gulf crisis to draw back from all-out conflict.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab spoke on Monday to Mr Zarif, to stress the need for a diplomatic resolution to avoid a renewed conflict in the region.

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President Donald Trump in turn warned that the US was ready to strike back in a “disproportionate” manner if the Iranians hit US targets.

The Ministry of Defence refused to comment on reports that it is stepping up contingency plans to evacuate military and civilian personnel from neighbouring Iraq amid fears they could be targets for Iranian reprisals.

The Times reported that a team of around 20 senior military planners and liaison officers had been dispatched to the embassy in Baghdad over the weekend.

The Foreign Office was coy over reports that it was scaling back staffing at British embassies in the Middle East.

A spokesman said: “The British embassies in both Baghdad and Tehran are open.

“The safety and security of our staff is of paramount importance and we keep our security posture under regular review.”

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace is due to update MPs – returning to Westminster following their Christmas break – on the latest situation in the region.

Former national security adviser Lord Ricketts said ministers should have been quicker to react to the escalation.

Lord Ricketts said he would have expected the National Security Council to have met on Friday, when the killing of General Soleimani took place, to co-ordinate measures to ensure British nationals were protected.

He said: “I’m glad to see that the wheels are now in motion and things are happening but we are four days downwind of this sudden and dramatic escalation.”

source: express.co.uk