Iran

British PM Keir Starmer Calls on Iran to ‘Refrain from Attacking Israel’

Published

4 months ago

August 12, 2024

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has made a significant diplomatic effort to de-escalate the rising tensions in the Middle East by speaking directly with Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian.

The 30-minute phone call on Monday followed a joint statement by the UK, US, France, and Germany, urging Iran and its allies to “stand down” from military threats against Israel.

The conversation comes amid growing concerns that Iran might retaliate against Israel following the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, which has led to heightened regional tensions. The US has deployed a guided missile submarine to the Middle East in response to the situation.

During the call, Sir Keir expressed deep concern over the situation. He called for all parties to “de-escalate and avoid further regional confrontation,” emphasizing the importance of calm and careful consideration to prevent miscalculations. He urged Iran to “refrain from attacking Israel” and stressed that war would not benefit anyone.

The Prime Minister also highlighted his commitment to securing an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza. He underscored the need for diplomatic negotiations to achieve these goals.

Today I discussed the situation in the Middle East with the leaders of the United States, France, Germany, and Italy.
I expressed my full support for ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions and reach a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza. pic.twitter.com/Ob3nGkB1RA
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) August 12, 2024

Additionally, Sir Keir addressed the issues of foreign detainees in Iran, advocating for constructive dialogue between the two nations. He noted that such dialogue could only progress if Iran ceased its destabilizing actions, including threats against the UK and support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Sky’s Middle East correspondent Alistair Bunkall described the call as an “infrequent occurrence” for a British Prime Minister and highlighted its significance in advancing Western diplomatic efforts. The aim is to push for a ceasefire deal, with talks scheduled for Thursday, and to prevent any actions that might jeopardize these negotiations.

The joint statement from international leaders, which also included Italy, emphasized the urgency of reaching a ceasefire and securing the release of hostages in Gaza. It expressed support for Israel’s defence against Iranian aggression and attacks by Iran-backed terrorist groups, warning of severe regional security consequences if Iran proceeds with its military threats.

In response to recent developments, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards began military drills near the Iraqi border in the western province of Kermanshah. Iran has accused Israel of assassinating Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31, although Israel has neither confirmed nor denied responsibility.