British premier expresses ‘deep concern’ over situation in Mideast

FILE: 05/07/2024. London, United Kingdom. The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer and his wife Victoria arrive at Number 10 Downing Street upon his appointment. (File Photo by Kirsty O’Connor/ No 10 Downing Street)

By Anadolu, Philippine News Agency

LONDON – British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed deep concern Monday over the situation in the Middle East in talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, emphasizing de-escalation.

During a phone call, Starmer urged all parties to de-escalate and avoid further regional confrontation, the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement.

“There was a serious risk of miscalculation and now was the time for calm and careful consideration,” he said according to the statement

Starmer also called on Iran “to refrain from attacking Israel, adding that war was not in anyone’s interest.”

The prime minister underlined his commitment to an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages and increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The focus should be on diplomatic negotiations to achieve those outcomes, said Starmer.

He also raised the cases of foreign detainees in Iran, adding it was “vital that they received the necessary medical care.

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The two leaders agreed that a constructive dialogue between the UK and Iran was in both countries’ interests, noted the statement.

During the call, Starmer said that “could only be furthered if Iran ceased its destabilizing actions, including threats against individuals in the UK,” and did not further aid Russia’s war on Ukraine.

In a joint statement Monday, the US, the UK, France, Germany and Italy called for de-escalation in the Middle East, expressing support for Israel against possible Iranian retaliation.

Tensions are running high in the Middle East following the July 31 assassination of the Palestinian group Hamas’ political chief Ismail Haniyeh in the Iranian capital Tehran and Israel’s assassination of senior Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in an airstrike on a southern suburb of Beirut on July 30.

Hamas and Iran have accused Israel of carrying out Haniyeh’s assassination, while Tel Aviv has not confirmed or denied responsibility.

Iran vowed “harsh punishment” for Israel in retaliation for Haniyeh’s killing on Iranian soil.

Hezbollah is also expected to retaliate after Israel assassinated Shukr.

The escalation comes amid an ongoing Israeli offensive against the Gaza Strip which has killed nearly 40,000 Palestinians following an attack on Oct. 7 last year by Hamas that killed 1,139 Israelis.