‘Stability in Middle East is priority,’ says Starmer – as he calls on Iran to ‘return to negotiating table’

Sir Keir Starmer has said stability in the Middle East is “a priority” following US strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.

The prime minister also called on Iran to “return to the negotiating table” to “reach a diplomatic solution to end this crisis”.

Follow latest: Iran considering ‘all options’ after US strikes

In a statement, Sir Keir said: “Iran’s nuclear programme is a grave threat to international security.

“Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon, and the US has taken action to alleviate that threat.

“The situation in the Middle East remains volatile and stability in the region is a priority.

“We call on Iran to return to the negotiating table and reach a diplomatic solution to end this crisis.”

Sky News understands there was no UK involvement in the strikes on Iran.

Sir Keir and Foreign Secretary David Lammy had been pushing for a diplomatic solution. On Thursday the prime minister warned of a “real risk of escalation” in the conflict.

Read more:
What we know so far about US strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities
What happens next is largely in Iran’s control – but there are no good choices

Trump says key nuclear sites were ‘completely and fully obliterated’

The US struck three sites in Iran early on Sunday morning, with Donald Trump boasting the country’s key nuclear sites were “completely and fully obliterated” in an address to the nation from the White House.

He warned there could be further strikes if Iran retaliates: “There will either be peace or there will be tragedy for Iran.”

Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation confirmed attacks took place on its Fordow, Isfahan and Natanz sites, but insisted its nuclear programme will not be stopped.

Iranian foreign minister warns of ‘everlasting consequences’

Tehran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi warned the strikes “will have everlasting consequences” and said his country “reserves all options” to retaliate.

“The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences,” Mr Araghchi wrote on X. “Each and every member of the UN must be alarmed over this extremely dangerous, lawless and criminal behaviour.

“In accordance with the UN Charter and its provisions allowing a legitimate response in self-defence, Iran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interest, and people.”

Netanyahu praises Trump

Israel‘s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Mr Trump for the attack, saying: “Your bold decision to target Iran’s nuclear facilities with the awesome and righteous might of the United States will change history…

“History will record that President Trump acted to deny the world’s most dangerous regime the world’s most dangerous weapons.”

UN secrtary-general ‘gravely alarmed’ by US attack

But UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres said he was “gravely alarmed by the use of force” by the US against Iran.

“This is a dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge – and a direct threat to international peace and security. There is a growing risk that this conflict could rapidly get out of control – with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world.”

Earlier this week Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had warned the US that strikes targeting the Islamic Republic will “result in irreparable damage for them” and a spokesperson for its Foreign Ministry declared “any American intervention would be a recipe for all-out war in the region”.

The US attack came after more than a week of strikes by Israel, which have significantly degraded Iran’s air defences and offensive missile capabilities, and damaged its nuclear enrichment facilities.

Israel’s strikes on Iran have killed at least 865 people and wounded 3,396 others, according to the Washington-based group Human Rights Activists. The group said of those killed, 365 were civilians and 215 were security force personnel.