Iran sends 'no confrontation' message to new British Prime Minister

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. Source: Tehran Times

"I would like to congratulate my former counterpart Boris Johnson on becoming British Prime Minister," Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif wrote on Twitter today after former British Foreign Secretary Johnson was elected as the new leader of the ruling Conservative Party, meaning he became the new Prime Minister.

"Iran does not seek confrontation. However, we own 1,500 miles (more than 2,400 km) of coastline in the Persian Gulf. Those are our waters and we will defend them," Zarif added.

In a video accompanying the Twitter post, Iran's foreign minister also warned Britain against engaging in "Team B tricks," referring to US national security adviser John Bolton, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who are pushing a hard line against Iran.

Iran seized the British-flagged oil tanker Stena Impero in the Strait of Hormuz on July 19, accusing it of "disrespecting international maritime rules." However, London said this was Tehran's retaliation after British marines seized the Iranian oil tanker Grace 1 off the coast of Gibraltar, a British overseas territory, on July 4.

These moves come amid escalating tensions in the Gulf since the US withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal in May 2018 and increased sanctions on Tehran. Iran said the seizure of the Grace 1 "proves that Britain is following the US's hostile policy".