UK Urged to Back US & Israel in Iran ‘Cleansing Operation’

Former Defence Minister Calls for Strong UK Support Amidst Regional Turmoil

In a recent broadcast, former UK Defence Minister Sir Gerald Howarth has strongly advocated for the United Kingdom to provide ‘full support’ to the United States and Israel in their actions against Iran, describing the current Iranian regime as one of the ‘most grotesque repellent regimes on the face of the earth.’ Sir Gerald’s remarks come at a time of heightened tension in the Middle East, with British planes already participating in defensive operations in the region.

Iran’s Regime: A Threat to Regional and Global Security

Sir Gerald outlined a three-pronged argument for decisive action against Iran, highlighting the regime’s persistent threat to international peace and security. He began by referencing the recent, brutal suppression of protests within Iran, stating, “The Persians of course are some of the most civilized people on earth and to see them treated in this brutal fashion by this repulsive regime has itself been absolutely disgusting.” This internal oppression, he argued, is indicative of the regime’s broader disregard for human life.

Secondly, Sir Gerald pointed to Iran’s alleged role in destabilizing the Middle East through its funding of proxy groups. He estimated that the regime has funneled approximately $16 billion in recent years to organizations such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, groups he holds responsible for significant damage and instability across the region. He countered the notion that the Gulf states feel secure, recalling his own observations as minister for international security strategy, where he noted considerable concern among regional allies about the threat posed by Iran.

The third critical point raised by Sir Gerald concerned Iran’s long-standing pursuit of nuclear weapons. He recalled receiving a classified briefing as defence minister that detailed the regime’s intentions. “The fact is that we have known that these people have been intent on driving Israel into the Mediterranean Sea. They have been intent upon developing nuclear weapons. They have been intent upon spreading their vicious terrorist activity throughout the western world and in the whole of the region,” he stated, emphasizing the existential threat this poses.

A ‘Golden Opportunity’ for Intervention

Observing the protests within Iran, Sir Gerald identified what he termed a ‘golden opportunity’ for the US and UK to take action. He believes that the current situation warrants a more robust engagement than the UK has shown thus far. While Prime Minister Boris Johnson has condemned the Iranian regime as ‘abhorrent,’ Sir Gerald criticized the government’s perceived reluctance to commit more fully, suggesting it might be influenced by domestic political considerations, such as appeasing the Labour party’s ‘Muslim vote.’

The former minister also addressed the legal arguments that may be influencing the UK’s cautious approach. He stated, “Parliament is the supreme legal authority in this country, not international law.” Sir Gerald argued that while international law is important, national interests and the threat posed by the Iranian regime should take precedence. “Our interests have been threatened. Our ships have been attacked by the Houthis. We have the United States ships have been attacked. So I think that there’s every justification for doing this,” he asserted, suggesting that the current crisis ‘trumps international law’ in its urgency.

Regime Change and the Path Forward

Sir Gerald fully supports the actions taken by President Donald Trump, viewing them as a necessary step towards reshaping the Middle East. He acknowledged that the situation is a ‘gamble’ but one that has been ‘on the cards for the best part of 10 years.’ The ultimate endgame, he believes, must be regime change in Iran. However, he conceded that achieving this goal could necessitate a ground operation, a prospect that raises complex questions given the mixed outcomes of previous interventions in Libya, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria.

He expressed disappointment with the Prime Minister’s approach, describing it as ‘willing to wound but afraid to strike.’ Sir Gerald urged the UK to be more decisive, questioning why the government appears to be denying access to US air force bases within the UK and distancing itself from the operation. “We should certainly consider it, but we’re not at that stage yet,” he noted, emphasizing the need to observe the evolving situation.

“We need to give full support to the Americans and the uh and Israel in this cleansing operation to rid the world of one of the most grotesque repellent regimes on the face of the earth.”

Sir Gerald Howarth

Uncertainty and Future Implications

Looking ahead, Sir Gerald admitted that the exact trajectory of the conflict remains difficult to predict. He believes, however, that the United States must see its current policy through. President Trump’s hope, he suggested, is that the brave protestors within Iran will be emboldened by external action, leading them to overthrow the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the current leadership.

The interview touched upon the significant risks involved, including the potential for civil war within Iran. Sir Gerald acknowledged that both the US and Israel have likely contemplated this outcome. He characterized the current situation as being in its ‘foothills,’ but stressed that President Trump has an opportunity to demonstrate his ability to see a policy through, moving beyond transactional diplomacy to achieve lasting change. Such a change, he concluded, would significantly benefit the people of Iran, the broader Middle East, and the United Kingdom.

Call for Deeper UK Involvement

When pressed on whether Britain should engage in more military involvement, potentially including troops, Sir Gerald responded with a definitive, albeit nuanced, ‘yes.’ He believes the UK should seriously consider further involvement, criticizing the current stance of ceremonial detachment and denial of support. While acknowledging that the UK is not yet at the stage of deploying troops, he reiterated the necessity of providing ‘full support’ to the US and Israel in their efforts to dismantle a regime he deems a global menace.

Source: Iran: UK Must Give ‘Full Support’ To US And Israel | Sir Gerald Howarth (YouTube)