Starmer calls for restraint in Israel-Iran airstrikes

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on Friday, June 13, 2025, has called for restraint following Israeli military strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, amid heightened fears of a broader regional conflict.

According to online media sources, concerns over escalation have intensified after Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, vowed “severe punishment” in response to the attacks. Reports have also surfaced of retaliatory drone launches by Iran.

In reaction to the unfolding crisis, the UK government has scheduled an emergency Cobra meeting for this afternoon to assess the situation and plan its response.

Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary David Lammy has cancelled a scheduled diplomatic visit to Washington, where he was set to meet U.S. counterpart Marco Rubio.

Despite the developments, no ministerial statement is currently planned for the House of Commons.

Officials have clarified that the UK had no involvement in the Israeli operation but is closely monitoring developments.

In a statement, Prime Minister Starmer expressed deep concern over the reports of strikes and emphasized the urgent need for all involved parties to de-escalate tensions.

“These reports are troubling.

“We strongly urge all sides to step back and work toward reducing tensions immediately,” Starmer said.

“Further escalation benefits no one. Our focus must remain on achieving stability in the Middle East, and we are actively engaging with our partners to encourage a return to diplomacy.

“Now is the time for calm, restraint, and constructive dialogue.”

A Downing Street spokesperson reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to using diplomatic means to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

When asked about ongoing talks between the UK, U.S., and Iran, the spokesperson explained that Iran’s nuclear development is more advanced than ever.

The spokesperson also said it poses a serious threat to international peace and security.

“We have encouraged Iran to continue exploring diplomatic solutions, including those previously offered under President Trump’s administration,” the spokesperson said.

“The UK remains committed to finding a peaceful resolution and will use all available diplomatic tools, including the UN snapback mechanism, if needed, to ensure Iran does not develop nuclear weapons.”

The snapback provision refers to the reactivation of international sanctions that had been lifted under the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, should Iran violate its terms.

Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, declined to criticize Israel’s military action.

She stated that Iran is considered a hostile actor by the UK and has attempted terrorist operations on British soil.

“If Israel is acting to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, then it should not be condemned for those efforts,” she asserted.

Badenoch also emphasized the importance of strengthening the UK’s defense budget and energy security.

On social media platform X, Foreign Secretary David Lammy echoed the Prime Minister’s call for restraint, describing stability in the Middle East as crucial to global peace.

“Any further escalation presents a serious risk to peace and security in the region, and is in no one’s interest,” he wrote.

“This is a tense and dangerous moment; I urge all parties to act with restraint.”

Senator Marco Rubio also addressed the crisis on X, noting that Israel acted independently and the United States was not involved in the airstrikes.

He emphasized that protecting American personnel stationed in the region remains a top priority for the U.S.

The attack marks one of the most significant direct actions against Iran since its conflict with Iraq in the 1980s.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel had targeted both the core of Iran’s nuclear enrichment operations and facilities involved in nuclear weapon development.

“This mission struck at the heart of Iran’s nuclear ambitions,” Netanyahu declared.

“We will continue this operation as long as necessary to eliminate the threat.”

Iranian state media reported the deaths of Hossein Salami, leader of the Revolutionary Guard, and General Mohammad Bagheri, chief of staff of the Iranian military, in the strikes.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey called for the UK to show global leadership amid fears of a deepening regional crisis.

“People across the UK and the international community are alarmed by the potential for a wider war in the Middle East following Israel’s overnight actions,” he said.

“The UK must collaborate with global partners to confront Iran’s nuclear ambitions through diplomacy—not military escalation.”

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