Keir Starmer delivers blunt warning to Iran to not ‘jeopardise’ Gaza peace talks
Keir Starmer has warned Iran will “bear responsibility” if it jeopardises ceasefire talks in Gaza.
In a strongly-worded statement, the PM joined with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz saying Tehran must not “jeopordise the opportunity for peace and stability”. The leaders said there can be “no further delay” in reaching a ceasefire agreement as they backed efforts by Qatar, Egypt and the US to end the Middle East conflict.
The leaders said in a joint statement: “We are deeply concerned by the heightened tensions in the region, and united in our commitment to de-escalation and regional stability.
“In this context, and in particular, we call on Iran and its allies to refrain from attacks that would further escalate regional tensions and jeopardise the opportunity to agree a ceasefire and the release of hostages. They will bear responsibility for actions that jeopardise this opportunity for peace and stability. No country or nation stands to gain from a further escalation in the Middle East.”
The UK, French and German leaders voiced their support for demands by Qatari leader Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, Egyptian President Sisi and US President Joe Biden calling for the immediate resumption of negotiations.
The European leaders said: “The fighting must end now, and all hostages still detained by Hamas must be released. The people of Gaza need urgent and unfettered delivery and distribution of aid.”
Iran is widely expected to retaliate after the killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31. At the weekend the Iranian foreign ministry accused Israel of “genocide and crimes against humanity” following an attack on a school that killed around 100 civilians.
Israel said it was targeting a Hamas command centre. The US has been beefing up its presence in the region amid speculation of strikes by Iran and Hezbollah.
