PA Media
In the wake of recent US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, Sir Keir Starmer has urged Iran to “re-engage in diplomatic negotiation.” The UK Prime Minister emphasized that regional stability is essential, labeling Iran’s nuclear ambitions as a significant danger to global security.
Reports confirm that the UK was not involved in the US operations, with the Prime Minister being notified beforehand about the attacks on key nuclear sites, including Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordo.
UK’s Business Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, expressed during an interview that the government stands for “calm and de-escalation” in the ongoing tensions, reaffirming support for measures to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
While asserting that peaceful diplomatic efforts were proposed, he indicated Iran’s lack of willingness to cooperate.
Iran maintains that its nuclear program is solely intended for peaceful purposes.
President Isaac Herzog of Israel remarked that Iran’s nuclear developments had sustained significant damage, although details remain unclear. He noted that these US strikes followed a recent Israeli campaign against Iranian military sites.
In retaliation, Iran has already launched counterattacks, with ongoing exchanges of military actions reported.
Former President Donald Trump initially hesitated to disclose US involvement, announcing that a decision would be reached “within the next two weeks”. In a subsequent address, he hailed the operation as a “spectacular military success,” threatening further actions if Iran doesn’t pursue peace swiftly.
Iran’s envoy to the UK, Seyed Ali Mousavi, stated that Tehran is contemplating its response carefully, focusing on how much retaliation would be appropriate.
The UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has noted no significant radiation increase following the attacks.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, condemned the US airstrikes as “unacceptable” and warned of their potential long-term repercussions.
UN Secretary General António Guterres characterized the strikes as a “perilous escalation” of the situation.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch praised the US’s targets, asserting the necessity of actions against a regime that poses threats on a global scale, including to the UK.
Starmer has consistently advocated for resumed negotiations to ease escalating tensions, reiterating the evident risk of further conflict in the region.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy recently traveled to Washington for talks, seeking avenues to prevent an intensifying conflict. After discussions with US officials, he highlighted a unique opportunity for a diplomatic resolution within the next two weeks.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued a travel warning against visiting Israel, the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and Iran due to the volatile situation.