Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has joined European allies in issuing a stern warning to Iran following retaliatory missile attacks across the Middle East. The joint statement comes after US and Israeli forces conducted what they described as "pre-emptive" strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities on Saturday morning.
International Condemnation of Iranian Retaliation
In a strongly worded declaration coordinated with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Sir Keir condemned Iran's military response "in the strongest terms." The three leaders emphasized that Iran must immediately cease indiscriminate strikes and pursue diplomatic channels to resolve the escalating crisis.
Emergency Security Meetings and Diplomatic Coordination
The Prime Minister's statement followed his chairing of an emergency Cobra committee meeting, the UK government's crisis response mechanism. Sir Keir subsequently engaged in urgent consultations with key European allies before releasing the joint position. The statement clarified that while Britain did not participate in the initial strikes against Iran, the UK maintains "close contact" with international partners including the United States, Israel, and regional allies.
The full text of the statement, posted on social media by the German Embassy in London, outlines several key demands:
- Iran must immediately halt its nuclear weapons development program
- Tehran must curb its ballistic missile capabilities
- Iran must cease destabilizing activities across the Middle East region
- The Iranian government must end violent repression against its own citizens
Call for Diplomatic Solutions and Civilian Protection
The European leaders emphasized their commitment to regional stability and the protection of civilian lives. "We urge the Iranian leadership to seek a negotiated solution," the statement declared. "Ultimately, the Iranian people must be allowed to determine their future."
The statement represents a unified European position amid growing tensions in the Middle East. It comes as the UK government has advised British nationals in certain parts of the region to "shelter in place" due to security concerns. Meanwhile, protests have emerged outside Downing Street in response to the weekend's military actions.
The coordinated response underscores the UK's continued alignment with European partners on major foreign policy matters, even as the government maintains independent communication channels with American and Israeli counterparts. The situation remains fluid, with diplomatic efforts intensifying to prevent further escalation in the volatile region.
