Iran’s foreign minister calls Mike Pompeo an ‘arrogant clown’ after he claimed thousands celebrated death of Soleimani
IRAN'S Foreign Minister has branded US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo an "arrogant clown" as the two countries remain on the brink of war.
Javad Zarif blasted Pompeo while also ominously stating that the "end of US malign presence in West Asia has begun."
The sinister remark came in the wake of Saturday's funeral processions for slain Iranian general Qasem Soleimani.
Zarif tweeted: ";24 hrs ago, an arrogant clown— masquerading as a diplomat— claimed people were dancing in the cities of Iraq.
"Today, hundreds of thousands of our proud Iraqi brothers and sisters offered him their response across their soil.
"End of US malign presence in West Asia has begun."
It came as Britain sent two warships to the Persian Gulf after America assassinated Iran's top general to "take all necessary steps to protect our ships and citizens" amid the tensions.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace ordered the warships to the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Iran as tensions are escalating in the region, according to .
And tomorrow, Boris Johnson will fly back to the UK from his holiday in Mustique as he faces the biggest test of his diplomacy in his premiership so far.
BORIS CUTS HOLIDAY SHORT
It comes as the Foreign Office escalated its warnings over travel to the Middle East after the drone attack ordered by Donald Trump killed Iranian military chief Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad.
Zarif's tweet was accompanied by a five-photo collage showing hordes of people waving flags and filling the streets. One image showed what appeared to be mourners walking behind a flag-draped coffin.
Zarif's tweet appeared to refer to a tweet Pompeo had posted on Thursday night - early Friday morning in Baghdad.
In his tweet, Pompeo wrote: "Iraqis — Iraqis — dancing in the street for freedom; thankful that General Soleimani is no more."
Pompeo's tweet was accompanied by a video showing people cheering and running through the still-dark street, lifting a giant flag overhead.
He also accused European allies of not being 'helpful enough' following the assassination of Soleimani, .
The US secretary of state expressed his disappointment with the UK, France and Germany, saying the major NATO allies had not been "as helpful as I wish that they could be".
Britain's navy will now accompany UK-flagged ships through the Strait of Hormuz to provide protection.
NAVY WARSHIPS DEPLOYED
Defence minister Ben Wallace said he had ordered the warships HMS Montrose and HMS Defender to prepare to return to escort duties for all ships sailing under a British merchant flag.
"The government will take all necessary steps to protect our ships and citizens at this time," he said.
It comes after Iran today pinpointed 35 "key US targets" as it unfurled a red flag of revenge after its top general was assassinated in a US drone strike.
Hours later, rockets were fired near the US Embassy in Baghdad and at an airbase housing American troops, according to reports.
British nationals have now been advised not to travel to Iraq, apart from essential travel to its Kurdistan Region, and all but essential travel to Iran was warned against.
The Foreign Office said anyone in Iraq outside the Kurdistan Region should consider leaving immediately because the "uncertain" security situation "could deteriorate quickly".
MOST READ IN WORLD NEWS
It also advised against "all but essential travel" to Iran.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said the updated advice was issued due to "heightened tensions in the region."
He added: "The first job of any Government is to keep British people safe."
