Iran’s ambassador to the UK has suggested RAF bases used by the US for its war effort may become legitimate targets. US forces have used RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire and the British Indian Ocean Territory, Diego Garcia, from which to launch strikes on the Islamic Republic.

Asked whether British bases and assets were “legitimate targets”, Iranian ambassador, Seyed Ali Mousavi, told Times Radio targeting such bases was being considered.

He said: “This is a very important matter for our self-defence. The military sections of our system will decide appropriately. It depends on your activities. It depends on the British decision about this matter.”

Mr Mousavi said: “Every option should be considered. We are very careful and delicate [as to] how to defend ourselves.”

Iran fired two missiles at Diego Garcia in March. One failed en route while the second was intercepted. RAF Akrotiri was also targeted earlier in the war in a failed attack believed to have been launched by Hezbollah, Iran’s proxy in Lebanon.

Defence Secretary John Healey told MPs last week the US has permission to use UK bases for defensive strikes against specific Iranian targets, including missile sites and capabilities which threaten shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

The Government had previously only allowed the US to use British bases to hit missile sites targeting British interests in the region.

US president Donald Trump piled criticism on London for what he described as “a very late response”.

Mr Trump said on Tuesday that the US could end its Iran offensive in two or three weeks and will shift responsibility for the Strait of Hormuz to countries that rely on it for oil and shipping.

The US leader also expressed frustration with allies who have been unwilling to do more to support the US war effort, telling them to “go get your own oil”.

He said the US will have nothing to do with what happens next in the vital waterway, which has been closed by the Islamic Republic.

Instead, he told reporters, the responsibility for keeping the strait open would rest with countries which rely on it.

Gulf states rely on the waterway for both exports and imports, including food, and 20% of the world’s oil supply flows through it.