Iran FM tells UK any end to war must include guarantees against future attacks

2026-03-20 - 16:59

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has conveyed to the United Kingdom that any resolution to the ongoing conflict with the US and Israel must be accompanied by firm guarantees preventing a recurrence of attacks, according to state media reports. The remarks came during a phone call with UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper on Friday, as diplomatic efforts intensify amid the escalating war. "The path to normalizing conditions is the cessation of these attacks. The cessation of war must be accompanied by guarantees to prevent the recurrence of such aggressions," Araghchi said, according to Iran's official IRNA news agency. He warned London against any form of cooperation with Washington and Tel Aviv, stating that such actions would only further complicate the situation and escalate tensions. Warning on Military Bases and European Silence Araghchi specifically criticized the UK for providing military bases to the United States, asserting that such arrangements constitute participation in the aggression against Iran. "These actions will certainly be considered participation in the aggression and will be recorded in the history of bilateral relations," he said, while affirming that Tehran reserves its inherent right to defend its sovereignty and independence. The Iranian foreign minister also expressed frustration with what he described as European inaction, noting that Iran was attacked despite engaging in diplomatic efforts. He highlighted the human toll of the US-Israeli offensive, stating that more than 170 elementary school students had been killed in the strikes. Araghchi condemned the attack on Iran's South Pars gas facilities and expressed concern over the lack of international condemnation. Neighboring Countries and Regional Responsibilities Araghchi emphasized that Iran respects the sovereignty of its neighbors and has no intention of attacking them. However, he noted that US bases located in these countries are being used to launch strikes against Iran, adding that regional governments have failed to fulfill their international responsibilities by allowing their territories to be used for such purposes. For her part, UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper called for an end to the war and a reduction in regional tensions. She expressed concern over the political and economic consequences of the conflict, particularly regarding instability in the Strait of Hormuz. The call comes amid escalating hostilities that began with the joint US-Israeli offensive against Iran on Feb. 28, which has claimed approximately 1,300 lives, including former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iran has responded with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf nations hosting American military assets.