UK Prime Minister Starmer Calls for Restraint in Rare Dialogue with Iran’s President Amid Rising Middle East Tensions

Starmer Appeals to Iran to Avoid Strikes on Israel in Uncommon Telephone Conversation with Nation's Leader

In a conversation with President Masoud Pezeshkian, the Prime Minister expresses his profound worry as concerns escalate that Iran might strike back at Israel following the death of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Monday, August 12, 2024, 9:

Sir Keir Starmer has engaged in discussions with the president of Iran amid global efforts to reduce tensions in the Middle East.

During a half-hour phone call with Masoud Pezeshkian, there was a prior collective declaration from the UK, US, France, and Germany. This declaration urged Iran and its partners to halt their current threats of launching a military strike on Israel.

Concerns are mounting that Iran might strike back at Israel following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, leading the United States to dispatch a guided missile submarine to the region.

In his conversation with Mr. Pezeshkian, Sir Keir expressed significant concern about the circumstances and urged all involved to "reduce tensions and prevent additional conflict in the region," as per the summary provided by Downing Street.

The prime minister emphasized the high possibility of errors in judgment, stating that the current moment required calm and deliberate thought. He urged Iran to avoid launching attacks on Israel, highlighting that engaging in warfare would benefit no one.

The report went on to state: "The prime minister emphasized his dedication to an urgent halt in fighting, freeing all captives, and boosting humanitarian assistance to Gaza.

"He emphasized that the emphasis should be on diplomatic talks to reach those goals."

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Sir Keir brought up the issue of foreign prisoners in Iran, and both leaders concurred that engaging in "constructive dialogue" would benefit both nations.

"Downing Street announced that the prime minister stated progress could only continue if Iran stopped its destabilizing activities, such as threatening people in the UK and refrained from supporting Russia's invasion of Ukraine."

Label it 'an uncommon event'

Sky's Middle East correspondent Alistair Bunkall described the conversation between a British prime minister and an Iranian leader as an "uncommon event," highlighting the importance of maintaining a British embassy in Tehran — a diplomatic presence absent in many nations, such as the United States.

During the conversation, Sir Keir emphasized the approach that Western leaders are adopting as an incentive to coax Iran away from a brink, according to Bunkall.

He emphasized, "Essentially, if we proceed with arranging a ceasefire and discussions are set for Thursday, any actions taken before or after could jeopardize those negotiations."

In a previous collective declaration that also involved Italy, global leaders emphasized the urgency of achieving a ceasefire and facilitating the release of all remaining hostages in Gaza, stating that there was "no more time to waste."

Further reading: Hezbollah and Iran reportedly ready to strike Israel soon. Calls for retaliation follow after attack on Hezbollah military chief. Israel speaks out on bombing of Gaza school used as a shelter.

The statement also mentioned: "We voiced our backing for Israel's defense against Iranian hostility and assaults from terrorist organizations supported by Iran.

"We urged Iran to cease its continuous threats of launching a military strike on Israel and explored the grave implications for regional stability if such an assault were to occur."

Iran's Revolutionary Guards initiated a series of military exercises on Friday in Kermanshah, a province in the west of the country near the Iraqi border.

Iran announced that Ismail Haniyeh, the chief political figure of Hamas, was "assassinated" in Tehran on July 31.

Israel has neither confirmed nor denied involvement in the death of Mr. Haniyeh.

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In response to inquiries about potential retaliatory actions from Iran or Hezbollah, or an increase in regional hostilities, a spokesperson for the Israeli government referred to a "circle of terror armies."

David Mencer expressed to Sky News, "This coalition of Iranian forces has created a tight grip on Israel."

He stated: "Whether it's Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, or the Houthis in Yemen, Israel will respond forcefully to any acts of aggression from any quarter.

"We have unequivocally stated that we are always ready to extend a hand of peace to any ally; we desire peace among the people of Iran. However, the authoritarian, Islamist regime currently governing in Tehran must realize that we have the capability to reach anyone who threatens our citizens."

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