**Prime Minister Starmer Responds as US Strikes Hit Iranian Nuclear Sites Amidst Escalating Tensions**
Overnight, the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East was shaken as American B-2 stealth aircraft launched airstrikes against key Iranian nuclear facilities. The move, reportedly aimed at Fordow along with other major locations, arrives amidst ongoing global calls for restraint and diplomatic engagement in an increasingly volatile region.
The UK government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has distanced itself from the American operation. British officials were quick to assert that the United Kingdom had not participated in the attacks, underlining the government’s steadfast commitment to preventing further escalation. Recent diplomatic activity has seen Number 10 repeatedly advocate for negotiation and a peaceful resolution, highlighting the potential regional and global consequences of military action.
In a statement issued on Sunday morning, Prime Minister Starmer articulated the UK’s official response. “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,” he remarked. However, Starmer stressed that restoring stability in the Middle East is of paramount importance, adding, “We call on Iran to return to the negotiating table and reach a diplomatic solution to end this crisis.” His comments reflect the delicate balancing act the UK is attempting to maintain — recognising security concerns, while calling for dialogue over confrontation.
This development follows closely on the heels of the recent G7 summit in Canada, where Starmer expressed scepticism that direct US military intervention in disputes between Israel and Iran would take place. “There is nothing the President said that suggests he’s about to get involved in this conflict, on the contrary, the G7 statement was about de-escalation,” the Prime Minister informed journalists last Tuesday, projecting an aura of confidence in the international community’s preference for calm.
Nevertheless, the nature of the attack has fuelled concerns throughout diplomatic circles. US President Donald Trump, in a message posted to Truth Social in the early hours, confirmed the strikes, stating, “We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.” He further claimed, “All planes are now outside of Iran air space. A full payload of bombs was dropped on the primary site, Fordow.” President Trump also issued a stern warning to Tehran, promising “force far greater than what was witnessed tonight” should Iran choose to retaliate.
The Iranian government was swift in its response. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the US action in uncompromising terms, maintaining that Iran “reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interest and people.” Araghchi went further, accusing the United States of violating international laws and agreements. “The United States, a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, has committed a grave violation of the UN Charter, international law and the NPT by attacking Iran’s peaceful nuclear installations,” he declared.
Iranian officials have insisted that their nuclear programme remains committed to peaceful purposes, a claim which has frequently met scepticism in Western capitals. The Foreign Minister cautioned, “The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences. Each and every member of the UN must be alarmed over this extremely dangerous, lawless and criminal behaviour.” This impassioned rhetoric underscores the severity with which Iran views the American strike, as well as its intention to raise the matter on the international stage.
While the effectiveness and immediate consequences of the strikes are still being assessed, what remains clear is the growth in tension not only between the US and Iran, but also across the wider region, with ripple effects likely to be felt on the diplomatic front for weeks, if not months, to come.
Observers will now be watching for signs of further escalation or diplomatic overtures. The coming days are likely to prove critical: with the world’s eyes trained on Tehran, Washington, and London, the hope remains that dialogue can be rekindled before tit-for-tat actions spiral out of control.