British cabinet minister Steve Reed said there is no official assessment that Iran is planning or capable of striking European cities with ballistic missiles. The Israel Defence Forces had claimed Iran has missiles that could reach London, Paris or Berlin, a claim Reed called unsubstantiated. Reed told the BBC there was no evidence Iran was targeting Europe and told Sky News the U.S. president was speaking for himself after threats against Iran. He added the UK will not be drawn into war but will protect its interests and work with allies to de-escalate.
UK Sees No Evidence Iran Is Targeting Europe With Ballistic Missiles, Minister Says
British Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Steve Reed looks on, as he speaks to the press, on the first day of Britain's Labour Party's annual conference, in Liverpool, Britain, September 28, 2025. REUTERS/Phil Noble
London, March 22 (Reuters) — British cabinet minister Steve Reed said on Sunday there is no official assessment supporting claims that Iran plans to strike European cities with ballistic missiles, nor that Tehran currently has the capability to do so.
On Saturday the Israel Defence Forces posted on social media that Iran possesses missiles "that can reach London, Paris or Berlin." Reed dismissed those claims as unsubstantiated in an interview with the BBC.
"There is no assessment to substantiate what's being said," Reed told the BBC. "I'm not aware of any assessment at all that they are even trying to target Europe, let alone that they could if they tried."
Speaking separately to Sky News, Reed said U.S. President Donald Trump had been speaking for himself after warning he might "obliterate" Iranian power plants if Tehran did not fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours.
Asked to define Britain’s position on the U.S. president’s deadline, Reed said: "The U.S. president is perfectly capable of speaking for himself and defending what it is that he's saying." He emphasized the United Kingdom would not be dragged into war but would protect its own interests in the region.
UK Response and Diplomatic Approach
Reed said Britain would work with allies to de-escalate tensions and manage the situation through diplomatic and defensive measures where necessary. The comments underline a cautious UK stance amid heightened rhetoric from multiple capitals.
(Reporting by Andy Bruce; Editing by Michael Perry and Kirsten Donovan)
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