Iran crisis: Former military supremo issues bold threat - UK ‘could be tied into war’

The UK was plunged into chaos following the revelation as military officials attempted to make contact with the tanker, which took a turn into the waters. The vessels were later impounded by Iran, leading to Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt calling an urgent COBR meeting as to what the UK’s next steps are. Speaking to Sky News, Lord West said: “They are the ones who escalated by attacking one of our merchant ships, so if they attack one of our merchant ships then they get their comeuppance.

"But for the Iranians to use that to come and attack our ships, I think, is not appropriate and we've got to look after our ships, but we mustn't let them just steam around unprotected in what are very dangerous waters.

"It would be a disaster, we do not want a war, but we will be tied into it."

Lord West also revealed that leadership hopefuls Mr Hunt and Boris Johnson were “deluding themselves” if they did not back the US in any potential conflict in the future.

US President Donald Trump backed the UK following the tanker seizure.

He said that Iran was “nothing but trouble”, however he felt that the issues between the UK and Tehran would be resolved.

Trump claimed Iran was in “big trouble” due to crippling economic sanctions bought on the country by the US following its breakage of the 2015 nuclear agreement.

Tensions between the US, Iran and parts of the EU have exploded in recent months following the breach.

Earlier this month, the UK seized an Iranian tanker in waters close to Gibraltar after fearing it was breaking EU sanctions.

The tanker had been heading to Syria.

Iran then retaliated a week later on July 11 by attempting to stop a British oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz.

They were eventually warned off by HMS Montrose.

The seized tanker is said to now be on its way back to the UK.