The Prime Minister has criticized Iran for its assaults on neighboring nations in response to strikes carried out by Israel and the US on Saturday.
Keir Starmer, along with French president Emmanuel Macron and German chancellor Friedrich Merz, issued a joint statement urging Iran to pursue a diplomatic resolution. This statement followed the Prime Minister leading the Government’s emergency Cobra committee meeting as missile attacks continued to impact the Middle East.
The US and Israeli forces conducted an assault on Iran on Saturday morning in what they termed a “pre-emptive” strike against the Tehran government’s alleged pursuit of nuclear weapons.
The statement emphasized the continual calls by France, Germany, and the United Kingdom for the Iranian regime to halt its nuclear program, limit its ballistic missile operations, cease disruptive activities in the region, and end violence against its citizens.
While not directly participating in the strikes, the UK remains in close communication with allies such as the US, Israel, and regional partners, underlining a commitment to maintaining regional stability and protecting civilians.
The retaliatory actions from Iran, reportedly targeting countries including Israel and others in the Middle East, have raised concerns about a broader regional conflict. The UK government stressed the importance of seeking a negotiated settlement to address Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Following the attacks, the Foreign Office advised against travel to Israel, while British nationals in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and the UAE were instructed to stay indoors for safety.
Escalating tensions in the region led to the US deploying military assets to pressure Tehran, following unsuccessful nuclear program discussions between the US and Iran. Israeli authorities labeled the strikes as Operation Roaring Lion and Operation Epic Fury, aiming to eliminate threats to Israel posed by Iran.
Dame Emily Thornberry, chair of the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, supported the UK’s non-involvement in the strikes, highlighting concerns about potential destabilization in the region and the need for preparedness against further conflict repercussions.
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