UK PM urges diplomacy after US bombs Iran sites

English , International - بین الاقوامی , Snippets , / Sunday, June 22nd, 2025

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London, June 22, 2025 – Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has warned of a “risk of escalation” across the Middle East following U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, urging a return to diplomacy to defuse the crisis.
Speaking from his Chequers residence, Starmer stressed the UK had no involvement in the strikes but was briefed in advance. He convened an emergency COBRA meeting and held talks with international leaders to seek a diplomatic path forward. “Our focus is de-escalation and stability,” he said, adding that the UK has moved assets to the region to protect its interests and allies.
The U.S. confirmed it targeted three Iranian nuclear facilities—Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordo—overnight. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed the attacks “devastated the Iranian nuclear programme.” In response, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the strikes as “outrageous” and warned of “everlasting consequences.”
Starmer reiterated the UK’s stance that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons and stressed the importance of renewed negotiations. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds supported the need to prevent Iranian nuclear armament, calling it a direct threat to UK security.
The UK’s intelligence service, MI5, previously revealed it had disrupted 20 Iranian-linked plots on British soil since 2022.
Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary David Lammy held meetings in Washington and with Iranian officials in Europe, calling the coming weeks a crucial window for diplomacy. The FCDO has advised against all travel to Iran and Israel, organizing a chartered flight from Tel Aviv for vulnerable British nationals.
British Airways also suspended flights to Dubai and Doha due to rising tensions, citing passenger safety.
The situation remains fluid as global leaders weigh next steps to avert further conflict.