UK says Iran general Qassem Soleimani killed by Trump-ordered airstrike was 'aggressive threat'

Dominic Raab calls for calm after US drone strike

The British government has appeared to back the US killing of an Iranian general, branding the target an "aggressive threat".

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab called for calm following the American drone strike near the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, which killed Qassem Soleimani, who was visiting the city.

The strike, ordered by Donald Trump, appears to have dragged the two countries towards a deepening conflict – with Iran's leader pledging "revenge" for the "criminal" attack.

“We have always recognised the aggressive threat posed by the Iranian Quds force led by Qassem Soleimani," said Mr Raab in an official statement released on Friday morning.

"Following his death, we urge all parties to de-escalate. Further conflict is in none of our interests.”

Outgoing Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn however called on the government to "stand up to the belligerent actions and rhetoric coming from the United States".

"The US assassination of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani is an extremely serious and dangerous escalation of conflict in the Middle East with global significance," he said.

“The UK government should urge restraint on the part of both Iran and the US, and stand up to the belligerent actions and rhetoric coming from the United States.

“All countries in the region and beyond should seek to ratchet down the tensions to avoid deepening conflict, which can only bring further misery to the region, 17 years on from the disastrous invasion of Iraq.”

Many Labour leadership hopefuls also took a tough line on the bombing, with some criticising the US.

Former soldier Clive Lewis, who is standing to replace Mr Corbyn tweeted: "I shed no tears for Soleimani, he was a cruel man who unleashed suffering for many. But violence begets violence, especially without a thought out military strategy. I know this from my time in Afghanistan. The UK must now lead in being a broker for peace."

Qassem Soleimani spearheaded Iran's efforts to spread its influence in the region (Getty)

Meanwhile Lisa Nandy, who has not ruled out standing for her party's top job said: "This is a very dangerous moment. 17 years after the catastrophic decision to go to war in Iraq violence still rages every day. World leaders must stand up to Trump. The last thing we need is another all out war."

Shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry added: "For two years, I’ve warned about Trump’s reckless lurch towards war with Iran. Last night’s attack takes us even closer to the brink. Those of us who marched against the Iraq War must be ready to march again, and ensure we are not dragged into this morass."

Leadership frontrunner Keir Starmer was less critical of Mr Trump, tweeting: "This is an extremely serious situation. There’s a clear danger of further violence and escalation in the Middle East. We need to engage, not isolate Iran. All sides need to de-escalate tensions and prevent further conflict."

His closest rival Rebecca Long-Bailey warned: "With this assassination, President Trump is pushing us to the brink of another disastrous war that would cost countless lives, further destabilise the region and make us all less safe. Our government should help de-escalate tensions, and we must resist any rush to war."

Birmingham MP Jess Philips, who is expected to run for leader, said that "reckless foreign policy does not show strength", adding "It's not a game".

"The consequences of the escalating tensions between the US and Iran are not to be underestimated, not just once again on the civilians in the region but on the whole world," she said.

The Liberal Democrats' acting leader Ed Davey called for any action to be taken at the United Nations level

"Iran is governed by a brutal regime which has been openly hostile to the west," he said. "Donald Trump has yet again radically and recklessly escalated tensions in an area where peace-keeping was already on a knife edge.

"There is a real danger this will stoke further conflict, undermining peace and stability in the region. Given the severity of the crisis, the Prime Minister must make a statement about the UK's position immediately.

"The UK should not automatically follow whatever position the Trump administration takes, but work with a broader group of concerned states at the United Nations."

Mr Soleimani was widely regarded as one of the most powerful people in Iran's governing regime. He was reportedly leaving Baghdad airport with militia allies when several American missiles struck the convoy, leaving at least five people dead.

A statement from the US Pentagon said: "At the direction of the president, the US military has taken decisive defensive action to protect US personnel abroad by killing Qasem Soleimani."

The statement added: "The United States will continue to take all necessary action to protect our people and our interests wherever they are around the world."