TEHRAN- The harsh rhetoric from England against Iran stems from an illusion of lingering colonial influence, yet the UK’s colonizer mentality does not fit today’s dynamics.

In a recent address, Foreign Secretary David Cameron engaged in a forward-leaning discourse, seeking to redirect culpability onto Tehran for the attacks run by resistance fronts on U.S. bases. 

The surge of attacks by the resistance groups is contextualized as a reaction to the aggression emanating from Israel's relentless onslaught in the Gaza Strip. 

In the meantime, the health authorities in Gaza reported on Friday that the death toll resulting from the ongoing Israeli aggression on the enclave has climbed to 27,131 martyrs, the majority of whom are women and children. The number of injured individuals has surged to 66,287. 

Adding to the complexity, the United Kingdom, in a consequential move, launched a third wave of strikes on Ansarullah targets in Yemen. This military maneuver came as the Royal Air Force's Typhoons rejoined forces with the United States on Saturday. This new collaboration began a day after Washington initiated strikes on targets in Iraq and Syria. These actions were claimed as retaliation for a drone strike that claimed the lives of three American service members in Jordan the previous weekend.

In shedding light on diplomatic engagements, Cameron revealed the tenor of his recent conversation with the Iranian Foreign Minister. Describing it as "robust," he said that he conveyed a message asserting that the resistance fronts conducting the attacks are inexorably linked to Iran. In blunt terms, Cameron insisted that Iran cannot disavow responsibility for these actions.

“I’ve met with the Iranian foreign minister and had a very robust conversation where I said that these proxies are your proxies, you cannot disclaim your responsibility for them,” Cameron told the Sunday Times.

Is London justified in shaping its narrative as a roadmap? 

Since October 7, the streets of London have borne witness to a series of anti-Israeli demonstrations and rallies. In these events, Londoners have unmistakably signaled that their pro-Palestinian sentiments diverge significantly from the positions upheld by certain British figures who persist in backing Tel Aviv. This stark contrast has laid bare a pronounced divide between the British populace and the government.

The discontent among the British people with London's recent policies is only one facet of a broader issue. The history, perceived interventions, and dubious machinations of British politicians, coupled with their lack of independence from U.S. policies, collectively cast doubt on England's legitimacy to dictate norms in the complex dynamics of today's world.

A historical stain on Britain's record is the infamous Balfour Declaration of 1917, a public statement issued during the First World War in support of establishing a state for the Jewish people in Palestine. This declaration marked a pivotal moment as it represented the first public backing of Zionism by a major political power. Yet, it has become one of the darkest chapters in Britain's history, with far-reaching consequences.

Moreover, the Balfour Declaration is seen not merely as a statement of support but as an overt conspiracy by the British government. The perception that the British government has often acted as a subservient state, mirroring the policies of the United States, adds to the skepticism surrounding its independence in global affairs.

This lack of autonomy was glaringly evident in the recent U.S. request for a coalition to target Ansarullah sites. Despite potential internal interests, the UK swiftly aligned itself with the White House's policy, exposing its vulnerability to external influence.

By participating in the so-called coalition alongside the U.S., the UK has inadvertently positioned itself as a proxy for American interests. This recent act indicates the UK's reliance on Washington's agenda. In essence, London appears to be playing the role of a 'yes man' for the White House, raising pertinent questions about its sovereignty and diplomatic autonomy in the face of pressing global issues.

The era of Britain's colonial dominance faded away with the passage of time

In stark contrast to its historical role as a dominating colonizer, the United Kingdom has undergone a transformative shift, relinquishing its former posture of dictating sentiments in the region. No longer can the UK assert its influence to exclusively pursue its interests and shape the narrative within the region. The illusion of wielding colonial authority must be abandoned, too.

Despite its persistent support for the establishment of the Israeli regime, the UK appears to cling to an outdated belief that all states should unquestioningly heed its directives. However, the contemporary geopolitical landscape has evolved, rendering obsolete the notion of nations subordinating themselves to external commands. Independent states now navigate their own course based on their own interests.

It is imperative for the UK to recognize this paradigm shift and adapt its approach accordingly. The era of unilateral dominance and colonial presumptions has given way to a more nuanced global dynamic, where respect for diverse national interests takes precedence over the imposition of external agendas.

Tel Aviv, the root cause of unrest in the region

Over the past four months, the Israeli regime has unleashed a relentless onslaught and genocidal war in the Gaza Strip. Tel Aviv's inhumane actions have compelled resistance fronts to mount retaliatory responses. 

If the British government genuinely aspires to quell the unrest in the region, it must unequivocally demand an immediate halt to Israeli aggression.

To navigate the complexities of this situation, the UK must confront realities within both its domestic and foreign policy spheres. British figures, much like their American counterparts, bear a shared responsibility for supporting the Israeli regime's crimes against Gaza.

While diplomatic ties and historical alliances may have influenced the UK's stance, a critical reevaluation is essential to align the nation's foreign policy with principles of justice, human rights, and global stability. 

A pragmatic approach demands that the British government should condemn the Israeli aggression and actively work towards brokering sustainable peace in the region.

By leveraging its diplomatic influence and engaging in constructive dialogue, the UK can contribute meaningfully to de-escalating tensions and fostering an environment conducive to peaceful coexistence.

Proper response to Cameron’s illusion

Iran's support for the resistance groups aligns with a broader commitment to championing the cause of the oppressed against the oppressor.

The purported allegations surrounding Tehran's financial support for resistance groups and its alleged arming of these groups appear to be nothing more than speculative assertions propagated by Western figures. Such unfounded claims raise questions about the ulterior motives behind these accusations, suggesting an attempt to deflect scrutiny and conceal the nature of Western support for the Israeli regime.

The recent Al-Aqsa Storm operation, along with other initiatives by the resistance fronts targeting the Israeli regime and U.S. bases in Iraq and Syria, underscores the autonomy of these actions. Importantly, these operations are propelled by the policies and motivations of the groups themselves rather than being dictated by Tehran.

It is crucial to recognize that the attacks on ships bound for Israel by Yemeni forces are reactive measures, a direct response to the ongoing war crimes committed by the occupying regime in the besieged enclave. These retaliatory actions serve as a stark reminder that resistance movements across the region operate independently, driven by their own objectives and principles.

While acknowledging Iran's supportive role, it is imperative to dispel the misconception that Tehran orchestrates every move within the resistance front. Each operation is a manifestation of the unique goals and strategies of the groups involved.

By Alireza Akbari