Prime minister says Iran’s nuclear programme is a ‘grave threat to international security’
Keir Starmer has backed the US strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities and called on Iran to return to negotiations, saying the country’s nuclear programme was a “grave threat to international security”.
Donald Trump announced overnight that the US had bombed three nuclear sites in Iran, joining Israel’s attack on the Tehran regime.
There was no UK involvement in the action. Starmer and the foreign secretary, David Lammy, had pushed for a diplomatic solution amid fears a wider action could further destabilise the region.
It’s not politically and psychologiclaly realistic for Iran to return to negotiations.
At this time, they perceive themselves to have been attacked without provocation - basically because Netanyahu needed a small victorious war - and resistance is not something one negotiates about.
Also, the ayatollah is an authoritarian ruler. Negotiation would be perceived as a sign of weakness by the opposition and population - and he might be ousted. He knows this, so he will continue the war.
And also, you know, they’re still getting bombed. Even though they were already in the middle of talks. I’m not sure what the logistics of “returning to talks” would even be in this instance.
they know