The British government has articulated its desire for a "peaceful transition" of power in Iran, as the Islamic Republic faces a significant wave of domestic unrest met with a violent official crackdown.
UK Ministers Weigh In on Iranian Unrest
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander stated that while she would not comment on American foreign policy, the immediate priority was to halt the violence within Iran. She described the state as hostile and a security threat in the Middle East, which is actively repressing its own citizens.
In more forceful remarks, Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch said she would "not have an issue" with seeing the Iranian regime removed. She justified this position by citing Iran's designation of the UK as the "little Satan," its alleged attempts to harm people on British soil, and its global network of terrorist outposts like Hezbollah.
Badenoch told the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg that, given the threat, it could be right for the US and its allies to be involved in a process of regime change. Her comments come amid heightened international tension over the crisis.
Protests Defy Crackdown and Internet Blackout
Despite an escalating security response and a near-total internet shutdown imposed last Thursday, protesters have continued to demonstrate across Iran. Videos from overnight into Saturday showed thousands in Tehran chanting "Death to Khamenei"—a reference to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei—and "Long live the shah."
According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, more than 570 protests have occurred across all 31 of Iran's provinces. The protests, initially sparked by economic grievances, have evolved into a broader movement. The Guardian reported that at least 62 people have been killed and approximately 2,300 detained in the weeks of demonstrations.
International Reactions and Escalating Rhetoric
The situation has drawn sharp comments from international figures. In the United States, former President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened intervention, warning Iranian authorities not to shoot protesters or "we’ll start shooting too." On Saturday, he declared the US was "ready to help" Iran achieve "FREEDOM."
In response, the speaker of Iran's parliament, hardliner Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, issued a stark warning on Sunday. He stated that if America struck Iran, then US military assets and Israel would become "legitimate targets" for retaliation, marking the first explicit threat to include Israel in such a scenario.
In the UK, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has condemned the killing of protesters and urged Tehran to exercise restraint. A UK government spokesperson expressed deep concern over the violence against those exercising their right to peaceful protest, confirming the situation is being monitored closely.
