UK Starmer Welcomes Reports of U.S.-Iran Talks

(MENAFN) British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday threw his support behind emerging diplomatic contacts between Washington and Tehran, declaring that a “swift resolution” of the escalating Middle East conflict must take absolute precedence — while firmly ruling out British participation in offensive military action against Iran.

“The immediate priority has to be a swift resolution of the conflict and delivering a negotiated agreement which puts tough conditions on Iran, particularly in relation to nuclear weapons,” Starmer said during a parliamentary Liaison Committee session.

Welcoming the reported talks, Starmer acknowledged the UK was “aware that that was happening,” while separately stressing that Britain does not have “any meaningful concerns” about energy supplies despite the widening regional conflict.

The remarks follow a flurry of competing claims over the state of US-Iran diplomacy. President Donald Trump asserted earlier Monday that Washington has held “intense” discussions with Iranian authorities — claims Tehran swiftly and categorically rejected, with Iranian officials insisting no negotiations are underway.

Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump announced a five-day pause on all strikes targeting Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure, citing what he described as “productive” engagement with Tehran.

“I am pleased to report that the United States of America and the country of Iran have had, over the last two days, very good and productive conversations regarding a complete and total resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East,” he wrote.

Speaking to media shortly thereafter, Trump added that the US is “very intent” on reaching a deal with Iran and expressed optimism that substantive progress remains within reach.

UK Must ‘Go Further and Faster’ on Defense Spending
Pressed on how Britain would respond to a potential ballistic missile strike from Iran or Russia, Starmer assured lawmakers the country possesses “very effective ways of defending ourselves,” pointing to the UK’s integrated air defense architecture. He also confirmed deployments of short-range air defense systems to Bahrain, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia in response to Israeli assessments that Iranian missiles could reach British soil.

“I can tell you, our military personnel, our security and intelligence services are working literally 24 over seven to keep us safe and doing a very good job,” he added.

Starmer acknowledged that Britain must “go further and faster” on defense spending, though he stopped short of outlining specific measures. He also mounted a robust defense of his decision to keep the UK out of the joint US-Israeli offensive.

“For any UK action, there must be a lawful basis and a viable and thought through plan … that is why we didn’t join the original offensive strikes,” he said, adding pointedly that the Iran war is “not our war and we are not getting dragged into this war.”

Regional hostilities have surged since the US and Israel launched their joint offensive against Iran on Feb. 28, with reported casualties now exceeding 1,300. Tehran has retaliated with sustained drone and missile strikes against Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf nations hosting American military assets — triggering casualties, widespread infrastructure damage, and significant disruption to global markets and aviation.

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