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Britain has been attempting to rally support from major European countries over the past two weeks after Iran’s military seized the British-flagged oil tanker Stena Impero on July 19. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab warned Iran if it wants to “come out of the dark” it must follow international rules and release the captures oil tanker. When asked about support in the conflict from other nations, Mr Raab said he wants to see a European-led approach but it would also be important to have support from the US to make it “viable and effective”.

The Foreign Secretary added this should “not be a geopolitical dispute between the EU and the US”. But the UK seeking support from the US has infuriated Germany, as Washington had withdrawn from the nuclear deal signed in 2015, aimed at limiting Iran’s access to nuclear technology. German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung has reported Britain suggested in a news conference Washington want a leading role in the country’s planned Operation Sentinel. The military mission was announced by the US earlier this month in immediate response to attacks on tankers in the Gulf of Oman, for which Washington has blamed the Iran’s Revolutionary Guards.

Iran news: Angela Merkel has dealt a major blow to the UK over its conflict in the Gulf

Iran news: The UK ship was warned not to interfere in the operation

After the takeover by Boris Johnson, it remains to be seen whether the announced initiatives by the old Government are still resilient. Britain is now returning to a robust American-flagged military mission Rolf Mützenich

But the UK remains in the nuclear deal with Iran, with a Government spokesperson insisting: “We’ve always said that any European-led mission must be closely aligned with what the US is doing.” Rolf Mützenich, acting parliamentary leader of the SPD, told Süddeutsche Zeitung: “After the takeover by Boris Johnson, it remains to be seen whether the announced initiatives by the old Government are still resilient. “Britain is now returning to a robust American-flagged military mission,” before warning this would create an “enormous escalation risk”. Mr Mützenich insisted Germany will “do everything for a diplomatic solution” as part of its current membership in the UN Security Council. READ MORE: Iran and North Korea pose a threat to US security amid soaring nuclear tensions say voters

Iran news: The footage shows Iranian troops abseiling onto the deck of the Stena Impero

But in a further warning, he said: “I advise those who are now hastily committed to taking certain steps not to disturb the de-escalation talks.” On Monday, Iran released footage appearing to show its Revolutionary Guard commandos warning Royal Navy warship HMS Montrose the lives of its crew could be in danger. The exchanges between the two sides were released by Tehran as Royal Navy destroyer HMS Duncan arrived in the Gulf to protect British ships. The video includes a shot apparently filmed on the day the Stena Impero was captured from above HMS Montrose in an attempt to show the Royal Navy was unable to prevent Iran seizing the oil tanker. DONT MISS

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