UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has warned of a “risk of escalation” in the Middle East following the US bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities, but backed the strike and called for Tehran to return to negotiations. The Prime Minister held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz after convening a Cobra meeting.
Starmer stated that the goal is to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and urged Tehran to address all concerns associated with the program. He also warned of potential fallout beyond the region, emphasizing the need for de-escalation and stabilizing the area.
The UK government has faced criticism from opposition MPs, including Labour’s Emily Thornberry, who described the strikes as “a big mistake” that could lead to further conflict. The Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay condemned the US unilateral action, stating there is no international legal basis for such an attack.
In a phone call with US President Donald Trump, Starmer reiterated the need for Iran to return to negotiations and agreed that the regime must never be allowed to develop nuclear capabilities.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/22/starmer-backs-us-strike-on-iran-and-calls-for-tehran-to-return-to-negotiations