Iran interference: UK vows support

Manama : Sending a strong message to Iran, British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson yesterday reaffirmed UK’s support to GCC countries against any Iranian threats and hostility.

“We must be clear-eyed and vigilant about the role of Iran in the region, he said adding that the nuclear agreement is a genuine foundation of securing the region and the world.

“It was achieved through diplomacy.” 

“Iran should play by the same rules and utilise diplomacy to regain the world’s trust,” he said stressing that Britain “is back” in the Gulf region and stepping up its security commitment.

“Iran’s role in the Yemeni crisis is clear and we understand the Saudi concerns about its security,” he pointed out during the forum organised by the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

However, the minister, who is due to visit Saudi Arabia on Sunday, also mentioned that he believes that “force alone will not bring peace and stability to Yemen”. 

Speaking more on regional developments, Johnson addressed the Syrian crisis saying, “We are all observing how Bashar Al Assad, with the support of his Russian and Iranian sponsors, is about to regain the last territory held by Syrian rebels.”

“But, winning back Aleppo is a victory that will quickly turn into ashes. Three-quarters of the Syrian people are displaced. They should be given the right to choose their leadership.”

Johnson also underscored the exceptional economic ties between the UK and GCC states. 

He revealed that GCC countries are the second largest importers of British exports, with a worth of around GPB20 billion. 

“We’re spending three billion pounds (3.5bn euros) on our military commitment in the Gulf over the next 10 years,” Johnson said

The minister also highlighted the huge rule of investments from GCC states in the development of the UK.  

He said that even though Britain plans to withdraw from the treaties tying it to the EU block, the country will continue to work for European peace and stability.

“And by the way, we’ll still be able to stick up for our friends and partners in the Gulf.”

Britain has 1,500 military personnel and seven warships in the region, he said.

Earlier, Prime Minister Theresa May and the Gulf leaders agreed to form a ‘Strategic partnership’ to foster defence and other ties. 

Annually organised here by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) for the past 12 years, the summit was attended by the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, senior diplomats and military officials, experts and dignitaries. It will continue today and tomorrow at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, addressing multiple regional security matters and developments throughout several discussions.