A firefighter at the scene of an explosion in a residence compound in northern Tehran in the wake of the Israeli strikes.A firefighter calls out his colleagues at the scene of an explosion in a residence compound in northern Tehran, Iran, Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)Keir Starmer has called for “restraint, calm and a return to diplomacy” after Israel launched a series of air strikes against Iran.
The prime minister urged both sides to “step back” from further escalation amid fears the conflict could escalate into a full-scale war.
Israel said it had targeted the “heart” of Iran’s nuclear programme.
Benjamin Netanyahu, the country’s prime minister, said the strikes were “a targeted military action to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel’s very survival”.
According to the Reuters news agency, a spokesperson for Iran’s armed forces said that both Israel and the US will pay a “heavy price” for the strikes.
In a statement this morning, Starmer said: “The reports of these strikes are concerning and we urge all parties to step back and reduce tensions urgently. Escalation serves no one in the region.
“Stability in the Middle East must be the priority and we are engaging partners to de-escalate. Now is the time for restraint, calm and a return to diplomacy.”
In a post on X, foreign secretary David Lammy said it was a “dangerous moment” for the world.
He said: Stability in the Middle East is vital for global security.
“I’m concerned to see reports of strikes overnight. Further escalation is a serious threat to peace & stability in the region and in no one’s interest.
“This is a dangerous moment & I urge all parties to show restraint.”
Stability in the Middle East is vital for global security.
I’m concerned to see reports of strikes overnight. Further escalation is a serious threat to peace & stability in the region and in no one’s interest.
This is a dangerous moment & I urge all parties to show restraint.
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