UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has spoken with US President Donald Trump, urging Iran to return to nuclear negotiations amid US strikes on Iranian facilities. The pair agreed that Iran must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon, according to Downing Street.
Starmer chaired an emergency Cobra response meeting and held calls with world leaders, including France’s Emmanuel Macron and Germany’s Friedrich Merz, who urged Iran not to take any further action that could destabilize the region. Foreign Secretary David Lammy also spoke with counterparts in Iran and Israel, calling for a diplomatic solution.
The US struck three nuclear facilities in Iran on Saturday night, causing widespread concern. Iranian officials have denied having any military plans, but the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) warned of a significant threat to international security.
Trump said the US strike was a “spectacular military success” and warned Iran that if it did not make peace quickly, it would face further attacks. The UN Secretary General described the strikes as a “dangerous escalation”.
As tensions escalate, the UK has advised against all travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Iran, with chartered flights for British nationals being organized. Airline flights have also been suspended due to safety concerns.
Starmer said that stabilizing the situation and finding a diplomatic solution was his top priority, as he warned of a risk of escalation to the Middle East and beyond. The UK government is committed to protecting its interests and personnel in the region, with British military personnel on high alert.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq53l41gl8jo