A senior UK minister has indicated the British government would not mourn the toppling of the Iranian regime, as former US President Donald Trump reportedly considers military options against the Islamic Republic.
Minister Brands Iran a Hostile State
Speaking on January 11, 2026, Transport Secretary and Labour frontbencher Heidi Alexander explicitly described Iran as a hostile state. She stated the regime poses a significant security threat in the Middle East and beyond, and highlighted its repressive treatment of its own population.
Ms Alexander pointed to Iran's alliance with Russia, specifically mentioning collaboration with Vladimir Putin to transport oil and evade international sanctions. She emphasised that Iran has been a destabilising influence in the region.
UK Stance on Protests and Potential Fall
The minister's comments come amid significant unrest within Iran. Millions of Iranians have taken to the streets demanding regime change, with reports indicating at least 116 lives lost in the ensuing violence.
When pressed on whether the UK would "shed any tears" if the Iranian government was overthrown, Alexander replied, "I think we would broadly use similar words." Her priority, she stated, is to stem the current violence. However, the UK's desired outcome is a peaceful transition of power that would restore democratic values and fundamental freedoms to Iran.
Trump's Threats and Iranian Retaliation Warning
The geopolitical tension is further heightened by actions and threats from the United States. According to reports in The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal on Saturday, January 10, Donald Trump has been presented with military options for a strike on Iran, though no final decision has been made.
Trump has publicly supported the protesters, posting on social media that "Iran is looking at FREEDOM" and that the "USA stands ready to help!!!" The US State Department issued a stark warning: "Do not play games with President Trump. When he says he'll do something, he means it."
In response, Iran's parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, warned that US military assets and Israel would become "legitimate targets" if America attacks. This threat was echoed by politicians in the Iranian parliament chanting "Death to America!"
The UK government notes there is a relatively small number of British citizens currently in Iran. Any ultimate decision for war would rest with Iran's 86-year-old Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The US military has stated it is fully postured in the Middle East to defend its interests and allies.
