Sir Keir Starmer has urged Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to “refrain from attacking Israel,” Downing Street reported after a rare phone call between the two leaders.
Tensions are rising with fears that Iran may escalate its conflict with Israel into a full-scale war following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran on July 31.
President Pezeshkian, a relatively new reformist leader, vowed to make Israel “regret” the airstrike on Tehran that resulted in Haniyeh’s death.
The situation in the Middle East is deeply concerning.
This evening, I spoke to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian about the need for all parties to de-escalate to avoid further confrontation.
Now is the time for calm. pic.twitter.com/LeiDX1SE8D
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) August 12, 2024
The call comes amid widespread condemnation of Israeli forces for bombing a school in southern Gaza, leading to the deaths of up to 100 Palestinian civilians, including many children.
During the conversation, Starmer expressed deep concern about the regional situation and urged all parties to de-escalate and avoid further confrontation.
According to a Downing Street source, the Prime Minister emphasized that war was not in anyone’s interests and called on Iran to refrain from attacking Israel.
A No.10 spokeswoman stated, “The Prime Minister stressed his commitment to an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and increased humanitarian aid to Gaza. He emphasised the need for diplomatic negotiations to achieve these outcomes.”
Starmer also raised the issue of foreign detainees in Iran, stressing the importance of providing them with necessary medical care.
The leaders agreed that a constructive dialogue between the UK and Iran was mutually beneficial. The Prime Minister added that this could only be achieved if Iran ceased its destabilising actions, including threats against individuals in the UK and support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Following the 30-minute phone conversation, the UK, US, France, and Germany issued a joint statement, calling on Iran and its allies to “stand down its ongoing threats of a military attack against Israel.”
In 2022, then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a similar call to Vladimir Putin just days before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Israel is currently under investigation for genocide at the World Court. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant are being sought for arrest by the International Criminal Court’s chief prosecutor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why did Sir Keir Starmer call the Iranian president?
He urged Iran to refrain from attacking Israel.
What triggered fears of an all-out war between Iran and Israel?
The assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.
What did Starmer emphasize during his call with the Iranian president?
He stressed the need for de-escalation and avoiding further regional confrontation.
What was the focus of the joint statement by the UK, US, France, and Germany?
They called on Iran to stop its military threats against Israel.
What additional issues did Starmer raise during his conversation with Pezeshkian?
He mentioned foreign detainees in Iran and the need for their medical care.