Keir Starmer condemns Iran’s strikes on neighbours and requires ‘negotiated answer’
His statement came just hours after the Prime Minister chaired the Government’s emergency Cobra committee as missile strikes continue to rock regions across the Middle East
The PM spoke out after the strikes(Image: Getty Images)
The Prime Minister has condemned Iran’s attacks on neighbouring countries after Tehran retaliated following strikes by Israel and the US on Saturday morning.
Keir Starmer urged Iran to “seek a negotiated solution”, in a joint statement with French president Emmanuel Macron and German chancellor Friedrich Merz. His statement came just hours after the PM chaired the Government’s emergency Cobra committee as missile strikes continue to rock the Middle East.
US and Israeli forces attacked Iran on Saturday morning in what the two countries described as a “pre-emptive” strike against a Tehran government intent on developing nuclear weapons.
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The statement said: “France, Germany and the United Kingdom have consistently urged the Iranian regime to end Iran’s nuclear program, curb its ballistic missile program, refrain from its destabilising activity in the region and our homelands, and to cease the appalling violence and repression against its own people.
“We did not participate in these strikes, but are in close contact with our international partners, including the United States, Israel and partners in the region. We reiterate our commitment to regional stability and to the protection of civilian life.
“We condemn Iranian attacks on countries in the region in the strongest terms. Iran must refrain from indiscriminate military strikes. We urge the Iranian leadership to seek a negotiated solution. Ultimately, the Iranian people must be allowed to determine their future.”
The attack prompted retaliation from Iran, with missiles reported to have targeted Israel and countries across the Middle East. A Government spokesperson said the UK did not want to see “further escalation into a wider regional conflict” and reiterated Britain’s support for a negotiated solution to Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
After the strikes, the Foreign Office warned against all travel to Israel while embassies in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and the UAE have advised British nationals to shelter in place.
The spokesperson added: “Iran must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and that is why we have continually supported efforts to reach a negotiated solution. Our immediate priority is the safety of UK nationals in the region and we will provide them with consular assistance, available 24/7.”
Saturday’s attack follows mounting tension in the region, with the US deploying a fleet of warships and aircraft to pressure Tehran. Talks between the US and Iran regarding Tehran’s nuclear programme ended on Thursday without agreement.
On Saturday, Israeli authorities said the strikes – dubbed Operation Roaring Lion by Israel and Operation Epic Fury by the US – were intended to “thoroughly degrade the Iranian terrorist regime and to remove existential threats to Israel”.
Dame Emily Thornberry, chairwoman of the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, said it was “absolutely right” that the UK had not been involved in the strikes.
She said: “There is no legal basis for this attack. I fear that we will be hit by the consequences, however. The whole region will be further destabilised, which is dangerous. Whilst the Iranian reaction during the 12-Day War was muted, it is unlikely this time.
“We need to prepare for shipping, oil facilities and military bases with western troops, including British, to be attacked. The Americans and Israelis are embarking on a war that they do not know how it will end, nor are their war aims clear.”
