British Prime Minister Keir Starmer held a call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday, urging him to refrain from attacking Israel and emphasizing that war was not in anyone’s interest, according to a statement from the prime minister’s office. The call was part of ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East, following recent killings of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran and Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut, which have led to threats of retaliation against Israel.
Sky News, which first reported the story, noted that the phone call lasted 30 minutes and occurred after Starmer had spoken with U.S. President Joe Biden and other European allies earlier in the day. During the conversation, Starmer expressed deep concern about the situation in the Middle East and urged all parties to de-escalate to avoid further regional conflict.
“There was a serious risk of miscalculation, and now was the time for calm and careful consideration,” 10 Downing Street quoted Starmer as saying. He also stressed his commitment to an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and the increase of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Starmer emphasized that the focus should be on diplomatic negotiations. The two leaders agreed that constructive dialogue between their nations was in both countries’ interests. However, Starmer made it clear that further dialogue would only be possible if Iran ceased its “destabilising actions,” including threats against individuals in Britain and its support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.