Starmer ‘supporting’ diplomacy between US and Iran after Trump threatens military action
Sir Keir Starmer said Britain was focused on “supporting the political process” between Washington and Tehran as tensions mount over the potential use of British air bases for US military action against Iran.
The government is believed to have resisted Donald Trump’s request to use the Diego Garcia base in the Chagos Islands, citing concerns about international law.
This comes after the US president threatened military intervention against the Islamic Republic if the nuclear deal fails.
Separately, the Prime Minister underlined the UK’s commitment to a diplomatic solution in a meeting with Saudi leader Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
A Downing Street spokesman said: “On Iran, the Prime Minister emphasized that the UK’s focus remains on supporting the ongoing political process between the US and Iran.
“He added that Iran should never be able to develop nuclear weapons and that the security of the region must be a priority.”
High-stakes talks between the United States and Iran on halting Tehran’s nuclear program ended Thursday without a deal.
The USA has deployed a fleet of aircraft and warships in the region.
Mr Trump withdrew Sir Keir’s support for the Chagos Islands deal, which would have transferred sovereignty of the islands to Mauritius, because Britain did not approve the use of the joint UK-US Diego Garcia military base to attack Iran.
Reports say that both the United States and Iran plan to resume negotiations soon, following consultations in their countries’ capitals.
Omani Foreign Minister Seyyed Badr Albusaidi, in his post on the X channel after the daily talks ended in Switzerland, said that technical level talks are planned to be held in Vienna next week.
Any significant step toward an elusive agreement between long-time foes Washington and Tehran could make it less likely that US President Donald Trump will follow through on a threat to attack Iran that many fear could escalate into a wider war.
