Iran balks at 'new' British policy toward Persian Gulf region
The UK prime minister’s apparent signaling of a shift in policy toward the Persian Gulf region has met harsh criticism from Iran.
TEHRAN, Iran — In her appearance before the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit on Dec. 7, UK Prime Minister Theresa May called for deeper military cooperation with members of the Arab bloc and said the United Kingdom and its allies must work together to counter “Iran’s aggressive regional actions.” In this vein, she told leaders of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman, “As part of the renewed relationship that I want to forge with you, the United Kingdom will make a more permanent and more enduring commitment to the long-term security of the Gulf.”
Her posturing immediately raised eyebrows in Tehran, leading Iran to issue a warning against London about the consequences of a possible greater future role in the region.
