Starmer Calls for Negotiated Settlement to Resolve Iran Conflict
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called for a negotiated settlement with Iran as the best long- term solution to the escalating Middle East conflict, reaffirming his decision to prevent the UK from participating in initial US- Israeli strikes.
Speaking at a Downing Street news conference on 5 March, Starmer said the UK's longstanding position is that "the best way forward for the regime and the world is a negotiated settlement with Iran where they give up their nuclear ambition." He emphasised that Britain is doing "everything we can" to de-escalate the situation, a stance that contrasts with US President Donald Trump's focus on regime change.
The Prime Minister defended his choice not to join the offensive strikes launched over the weekend, stating the decision was "deliberate" and "in the national interest." He insisted that the "special relationship" with the United States remains intact, citing ongoing intelligence sharing and cooperation at UK bases.
Starmer acknowledged the conflict could continue for "some time" and announced the deployment of four additional Typhoon fighter jets to Qatar and two anti- missile helicopters to Cyprus to bolster regional defences. Defence Secretary John Healey visited Cyprus to reinforce air defences following a drone strike on RAF Akrotiri.
On the consular front, Starmer reported that approximately 4,000 Britons have returned from the region via commercial flights, with seven more flights expected from the UAE. The first government-chartered evacuation flight from Oman departed after technical delays, with more planned, as over 140,000 UK nationals have registered for assistance.
The Prime Minister faced criticism from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who argued that delaying involvement could prolong the conflict. However, Starmer maintained that Britain would use "military and diplomatic strength" to protect citizens while pursuing de- escalation, stating: "It means having the strength to stand firm by our values and our principles, no matter the pressure to do otherwise."