UK PM Urges Trump to Pursue Diplomacy Over Iran Tensions
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called on U.S. President Donald Trump to refrain from launching military action against Iran, emphasizing the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to prevent further instability in the Middle East.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Starmer warned that the situation carried a “serious risk of escalation” and urged renewed negotiations focused on Iran’s nuclear ambitions—an issue that has intensified following Israeli airstrikes targeting nuclear-related sites.
“We, along with many others, remain deeply concerned about Iran’s nuclear developments,” Starmer said. “At the same time, we acknowledge Israel’s right to defend itself. However, our main priority must be to de-escalate the situation.”
He stressed that rising tensions could trigger regional instability similar to the Gaza crisis and warned of broader consequences, including economic disruption.
Starmer’s comments follow a Spectator report suggesting that UK Attorney General Richard Hermer has expressed legal reservations about Britain’s potential involvement in the conflict. This could include possible U.S. use of the joint U.K.-U.S. military base on Diego Garcia, located in the British Indian Ocean Territory.
When questioned about the report, Starmer declined to confirm or deny legal advice from government counsel, citing standard confidentiality protocols. “What I can say is that our core guiding principle is de-escalation,” he reiterated.
Addressing the broader issue of Iran’s nuclear program, the prime minister stated: “There’s no question that it must be addressed, but the best route is through negotiation, not confrontation.”
Starmer also pointed to ongoing U.S.-Iran discussions, expressing hope that diplomacy would prevail. “Several rounds of talks have taken place already, and I believe that remains the most viable path forward,” he said.
A spokesperson for the prime minister reinforced this stance, saying de-escalation is the British government's top priority. “We do not support any actions that would intensify the current crisis,” the spokesperson noted.
When asked whether the U.K. could prevent American forces from launching attacks on Iran from Diego Garcia, the spokesperson declined to comment on hypothetical scenarios or future military plans.
Meanwhile, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy is expected to meet with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington on Thursday evening to discuss the unfolding crisis.
Adding to the speculation of potential military preparations, the BBC reported that several U.S. military aircraft, rarely seen outside of American territory, arrived at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk late Wednesday. A U.S. defense official confirmed the movement but withheld further details, citing operational security.
