Senior Conservative Party figure Kemi Badenoch has voiced support for the United States and Israel, saying she stands with both countries amid tensions involving Iran. In a statement posted on social media on Friday, Badenoch said the United Kingdom must work with its allies in response to what she described as threats from the Iranian government.
Badenoch accused Iran’s leadership of actions she said pose risks beyond its borders, including to the United Kingdom. She said Iran has carried out attacks linked to British interests and warned that its nuclear programme could pose a danger to Britain and its allies.
“I stand with our allies in the US and Israel as they take on the threat of the Islamic Republic of Iran and its vile regime,” Badenoch said. She added that Iran is “the same regime that carries out attacks on the UK and on our citizens, that seeks to build nuclear weapons that would threaten our country.”
She also referred to Iran’s response to protests inside the country, saying the government had repressed demonstrations and killed large numbers of its own citizens. Iran has faced international criticism in recent years over its handling of protests, which began after the death of a young woman in police custody in 2022 and continued in different forms afterward. Iranian authorities have rejected claims of widespread unlawful killings.
Badenoch linked her position to the Conservative Party’s foreign policy stance, saying national security would remain a top priority. She said her party would continue working with partner nations to counter threats and maintain safety.
“Under my leadership, the Conservative Party will always put our national security first and work with our allies to make the world a safer place,” she said.
Her comments come at a time when tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States remain high. Israel has repeatedly raised alarm about Iran’s nuclear programme and military activities, while the United States has imposed sanctions on Iranian officials and institutions.
The United Kingdom has also expressed concern about Iran’s activities in recent years. British security officials have previously said they disrupted suspected plots linked to Iranian actors targeting individuals in Britain. Iran has denied involvement in such activities.
The Conservative Party has long supported strong security cooperation with the United States and close relations with Israel. Britain and the United States share intelligence and military cooperation through longstanding agreements, while defence and security ties also exist between the UK and Israel.
Badenoch’s statement reflects continued political attention in Britain on foreign policy and national security. Her remarks add to ongoing debate about how the UK should respond to tensions involving Iran and the role of international partnerships in addressing security risks.
The Iranian government has not immediately responded to Badenoch’s latest comments.
