Boris Johnson: Qasem Soleimani was 'threat' and 'we will not lament his death'

6 January 2020, 05:32

Boris Johnson issued a statement after he returned from his holiday
Boris Johnson issued a statement after he returned from his holiday. Picture: PA

Boris Johnson has said "we will not lament" the death of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani, describing him as "a threat to all our interests".

Alongside his French and German counterparts, Emmanuel Macron and Angela Merkel, the PM has called for all sides to work towards an urgent easing of tensions in the Persian Gulf.

The three leaders released a statement late on Sunday night saying while Iran must stand condemned for the negative role it has played in the region, "there is now an urgent need for de-escalation".

The Prime Minister warned that "all calls for retaliation or reprisals will simply lead to more violence in the region" - adding that the UK "is in close contact with all sides to encourage de-escalation".

"We call on all parties to exercise utmost restraint and responsibility. The current cycle of violence in Iraq must be stopped," the joint statement said.

"We specifically call on Iran to refrain from further violent action or proliferation and urge Iran to reverse all measures inconsistent with the JCPOA (the Iran nuclear deal).

"We recall our attachment to the sovereignty and security of Iraq. Another crisis risks jeopardising years of efforts to stabilise Iraq.

"We also reaffirm our commitment to continue the fight against Daesh (Islamic State), which remains a high priority. The preservation of the Coalition is key in this regard. We therefore urge the Iraqi authorities to continue providing the Coalition all the necessary support.

"We stand ready to continue our engagement with all sides in order to contribute to defuse tensions and restore stability to the region."

In a statement, Mr Johnson said: "General Qassem Soleimani posed a threat to all our interests and was responsible for a pattern of disruptive, destabilising behaviour in the region.

"Given the leading role he has played in actions that have led to the deaths of thousands of innocent civilians and western personnel, we will not lament his death."

The Foreign Office has issued detailed travel advice to UK citizens across the Middle East - including Saudi Arabia and Turkey - while the Navy will accompany UK-flagged ships through the key oil route of the Strait of Hormuz.

Since the killing of General Soleimani on Friday there have been international calls for calm, but aggression between Iran and the US continue to escalate.

Washington has threatened to target 52 separate Iranian sites if there is retaliation against US nationals or American assets in the region, while Tehran has been describing President Donald Trump as a "terrorist in a suit".

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

As the couple were arrested, Marten can be heard questioning "how is that an arrest-able offence?"

‘How is that an arrestable offence?’: Constance Marten's arrogant response as police catch her after seven weeks on the run

The first glimpse of Dominic McLaughlin has been cast as Harry Potter.

Harry Potter TV series filming kicks off with first glimpse of leading star - as more cast announced

Blue Stevens, 24, died after he was attacked in Seville Street, Knightsbridge, at around 9.30pm on July 9.

Three arrested after man, 24, stabbed to death 'for his Rolex' near luxury Knightsbridge hotel

Yostin Mosquera, left, denies murdering Albert Alfonso, centre.

Man accused of suitcase murders claims he was ‘raped every day’ by one of his alleged victims

England's Shoaib Bashir celebrates after the final wicket during day five of the Third Rothesay Men's Test at Lord's, London.

England beat India by 22 runs in third Test of the series

Police personnel work at the site of an Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, India, Friday, June 13, 2025.

Air India rules out mechanical fault on doomed flight 171 amid investigation into pilots' 'medical records'

Aristocrat Constance Marten and her partner Mark Gordon have been found guilty at the Old Bailey of the manslaughter of their newborn baby.

Crocodile tears of a killer aristocrat: Moment Constance Marten is confronted over the death of newborn baby

A man accused of trying to spy for Russia has claimed he planned to “track and expose Russian agents” to assist Israel, a court has heard.

Father-of-four accused of plotting to spy for Russia claims he planned to ‘expose Russian agents'

Pc Ellie Cook fired her Taser at Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 20, after he and his brother, Muhammad Amaad, 26, allegedly attacked her and two Greater Manchester Police (GMP) colleagues.

‘Not an option’ to walk away from Manchester Airport suspect - police officer tells court

Police said road crime team officers initially tried to pull over the Peugeot, which was believed to be linked to drugs, on the M5.

Cocaine smuggler jailed after police find £1 million worth of drugs in car boot following 120mph chase

A sinkhole filled with water

Sinkhole opens in London borough leading to disruption from 'large amount of flooding'

Katie Wallis arrives at Cardiff Magistrates.

Former Conservative MP who harassed ex-wife handed community order

Irish Air Corps undated handout photo of Army Ranger Wing boarding the MV Matthew as part of Ireland's largest-ever drugs haul.

Irish gangsters' drugs empire laid bare after eight men jailed following Special Forces raid on 'narco-tanker'

Gregg Wallace smiling

Gregg Wallace breaks his silence saying he is "deeply sorry" for any distress caused

Four people have died following a plane crash at Southend Airport.

Plane crashed in 'fireball' at Southend Airport after dropping off patient for medical attention

Wells Town Hall and coroners court Wells Somerset England UK GB EU Europe

Former Met detective died in fire after locking himself in bedroom, inquest told