Starmer Demands Iran Halt Military Strikes After Coordinated EU Response
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has issued a forceful joint statement with the leaders of France and Germany, condemning in the strongest possible terms Iran's retaliatory missile strikes across the Middle East. This coordinated European response follows devastating US-Israeli pre-emptive strikes on Iranian targets earlier on Saturday.
Escalating Regional Conflict Prompts Urgent Diplomatic Intervention
The rapidly deteriorating situation began when American and Israeli forces launched what they described as "pre-emptive" military operations against Iran, specifically targeting Tehran's nuclear weapons development programme. Dubbed Operation Roaring Lion by Israel and Operation Epic Fury by the United States, these strikes prompted immediate retaliation from Iranian forces.
Iran responded by launching numerous missiles toward Israel and various other locations throughout the Middle East, creating a dangerous escalation that threatens regional stability. British authorities, while not participating in the initial strikes against Iran, have urgently advised UK nationals in affected areas to immediately shelter in place for their safety.
European Leaders Issue Unified Call for Restraint
Following emergency consultations with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Prime Minister Starmer presented a united European front. The three leaders jointly declared that Iran must absolutely refrain from indiscriminate military strikes and instead pursue negotiated solutions through diplomatic channels.
"Iran must refrain from indiscriminate military strikes," the leaders stated unequivocally. "We urge the Iranian leadership to seek a negotiated solution. Ultimately, the Iranian people must be allowed to determine their future."
Speaking from Downing Street after chairing an emergency Cobra committee meeting, Starmer emphasized the critical importance of preventing further escalation. "It is vital that we prevent further escalation and return to a diplomatic process," he asserted. "We want to see peace and security and the protection of civilian life."
British Military Preparedness and Political Reactions
The Prime Minister confirmed that British aircraft are actively participating in coordinated regional defensive operations to protect national interests, citizens, and allied nations. Security measures at British military bases throughout the region have been elevated to their highest possible levels, while government officials are reaching out to provide support for UK nationals caught in the conflict zone.
Political responses to the crisis have revealed significant divisions. Reform UK leader Richard Tice demanded transparency regarding whether Britain had refused American requests to utilize the Diego Garcia base for strike operations, warning that such refusal could seriously damage the special relationship between the two nations.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch expressed firm support for the US-Israeli strikes, describing the Iranian government as a "vile regime" that threatens Western security. Conversely, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey urged the Prime Minister to rule out allowing British bases to be used for future unilateral American military actions.
Broader Context and International Dimensions
This explosive development follows months of escalating tensions, including the recent deployment of a substantial US naval fleet to pressure Tehran. Diplomatic negotiations between the United States and Iran regarding Tehran's nuclear programme concluded unsuccessfully just two days prior to the military confrontation.
In a video statement posted to his Truth Social platform, former US President Donald Trump characterized the strikes as "a noble mission" necessary to counter Iranian nuclear ambitions and missile development that threatens European allies and American forces overseas.
Dame Emily Thornberry, chair of the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, emphasized that Britain was correct to avoid direct involvement in the strikes, noting there was "no legal basis for this attack." She warned that Western assets including shipping, oil facilities, and military bases with British personnel now face increased risk of retaliatory targeting.
As the situation remains fluid and dangerously volatile, Prime Minister Starmer and his European counterparts continue maintaining close contact with international partners including the United States and Israel, while urgently advocating for de-escalation and a return to diplomatic negotiations to resolve the deepening crisis.
