Starmer urges Trump to step back from military action against Iran

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has called on former US President Donald Trump to refrain from pursuing military action against Iran, warning that such a move could significantly escalate tensions in the region, reports BBC.

“There have been several rounds of talks with the United States,” he said on Thursday (June 19). “In my opinion, that is the way to resolve this problem. The risks of escalation are simply too great.”

The Prime Minister’s remarks come as Foreign Secretary David Lammy travels to Washington for urgent discussions with senior US officials, including Trump’s designated Secretary of State, Senator Marco Rubio.

The meeting between Mr Lammy and Mr Rubio is scheduled for Thursday evening, and will focus on the growing instability in the Middle East following heightened hostilities between Israel and Iran.

The conflict between the two nations has intensified since last Friday, with fears mounting that it could draw in wider regional and international powers.

While Mr Trump has issued a series of conflicting statements regarding the situation, Prime Minister Starmer has sought to present a clear and consistent call for de-escalation.