Britain withdraws embassy staff from Iran after Donald Trump threatens to bomb Tehran
'The United States will bomb and destroy ONE BRIDGE OR POWER PLANT' for every ship shot at in the Strait of Hormuz, Mr Trump said
Britain haswithdrawn its embassy staff from Iran after Donald Trump threatened to "bomb and destroy" the Islamic Republic's infrastructure.
The Government said the withdrawal was a "precautionary" measure, and warns Britons it will not be able to help should any "difficulty" arise.
Its website reads: "UK Government support is extremely limited in Iran.
"No face-to-face consular assistance will be possible in an emergency and the UK government will not be able to help you if you get into difficulty in Iran.
"Due to the ongoing security situation, we have taken the precautionary measure to temporarily withdraw UK staff from Iran.
"Our embassy continues to operate remotely."
Earlier today, Mr Trump wrote on Truth Social: "From this point forward, any time the Islamic Republic of Iran shoots at a ship in the Strait of Hormuz, whether it be by Missile, Rocket, Drone, or any other device or weapon, the United States will bomb and destroy ONE BRIDGE OR POWER PLANT, including those located next to, or in, the Capital City of Tehran."
The Government website continues to say: "Since 8 July there have been strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran in a number of locations across the region against US military and civilian infrastructure.
"There is a risk of more attacks and unforeseen escalation in the region.
"British nationals currently in the Middle East should be prepared for possible flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruptions."
The decision from the UK Government comes just days afterMr Trump has given his verdict on Andy Burnham after a phone call between the two leaders.
The President said the two discussed a variety of topics during the "interesting" call on Monday.
Mr Trump said: "The Prime Minister has got a big job ahead of him, but he will be able to do it and, of course, the USA will be there to help!"
The Commander-in-Chief said he would be meeting the Prime Minister in the "not too distant future" to discuss "topics of mutual interest".
He added: "We discussed North Sea oil, trade, the military alliance, demining of the Hormuz Strait, and many other topics.
"The call was interesting, and went very well. I wished Prime Minister Burnham, GOOD LUCK AND GODSPEED!"
Downing Street earlier said the two "looked forward to speaking again soon" in a call which came shortly after Mr Burnham took office.
The Prime Minister said he looked forward to showing Mr Trump "what Manchester had to offer".
Mr Burnham also told the President the security of the UK and its allies was the top of his agenda - a challenge which newly-appointed Defence Secretary Wes Streeting will now have to face.
Downing Street notably did not mention the subject of North Sea oil after President Trump praised Mr Burnham and said he would "open up the North Sea".