Fears British citizens could be targeted in aftermath of air strike
Q Are Britons in the Middle East in danger?
A Britons could face the “very real” danger of being caught up in terror attacks in the Middle East, a research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute think tank has warned.
Dr Jack Watling said that British citizens could become “casualties” in attacks against America.
He said: “There are lots of British citizens who are either contractors at oil facilities or work with American personnel on bases who could be incidental targets in attacks against Americans.”
Q What about tourists in the wider region?
A Dr Watling believes that British people on holiday in the wider Middle
East could face danger in countries where Iran has “a serious presence”.
He said: “If you’re in Lebanon and you’re engaging in certain activities, you may well be at risk.
“Activity by Hizbollah in Israel is possible. All these things could catch tourists.”
Seyyed Mohammad Marandi, professor of North American Studies at the University of Tehran, said he would “leave the UAE immediately” if he were Western.
“The whole region’s future is unclear because of the terrorist attack carried out by the US,” he said.
Q Why would Iran target Britons?
A The most likely cause of casualties would be as a result of terror attacks targeting Americans in the region.
However, British citizens – especially those with dual Iranian citizenship – could be in danger of kidnap because of the UK’S close intelligence relationship with America.
Dr Watling said: “Obviously the UK is a very close intelligence partner with the US and will be working with them to work out what the Iranian response will be and what it’s looking to target.
“Iran can’t necessarily target those intelligence operations but they have persistently seized innocent parties and accused them of being involved in espionage in order to gain political leverage. This is a particular risk for dual nationals.”
Q What is the official advice?
A The Foreign Office has not changed its advice to Britons in Iran but says it is under “constant review”.
It has, however, advised those in Iran to avoid rallies and marches around the country after three days of national mourning were declared following the death of General Qassim Soleimani.
It warns against any travel to the nation for British-iranian dual nationals, and suggests other British nationals “seek the department’s advice” before travelling to the nation.
Britons risk being arbitrarily detained or arrested by Tehran, the department warns.