LONDON, England — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has backed a dramatic overnight offensive by United States President Donald Trump targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, describing the Islamic Republic’s programme as “a grave threat to international security.”
The American strikes, confirmed by President Trump as hitting nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan, were described by the U.S. leader as “very successful.”
The military action has ignited fresh fears of wider conflict in an already volatile region.
In a statement issued by Downing Street on Sunday, June 22, 2025, Prime Minister Starmer 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.”
The Prime Minister is expected to join world leaders, including members of the Trump administration, for a NATO summit in The Hague on Monday, June 23, 2025.
Ahead of the gathering, Downing Street said Mr Starmer “will be calling allies” to discuss the latest developments.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy and his French counterpart held talks with Iranian officials on Friday, June 21, 2025, in a last-ditch effort to de-escalate tensions, but the discussions were reported to have ended without agreement.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds confirmed in an interview with Sir Trevor Phillips on Sky News that the UK was informed of the U.S. strikes before they occurred.
“The UK government is in active conversations to get people out” of Israel, Iran, and the wider region, Mr Reynolds said.
“That will be hours not days. We have been making extensive preparations.”
He added that the safety of British citizens remains “the government’s first priority.”
The strikes have drawn a rare moment of bipartisan support within British politics.
Former Conservative Defence Secretary Grant Shapps expressed approval of the U.S. action, stating on X, formerly Twitter: “I don’t often agree with Trump, but destroying Iran’s nuclear sites was absolutely the right call. The IRGC wants Israel wiped off the map. Tehran arms Hamas, Hezbollah, Houthis & militias. Iran fuels Middle East chaos. Starmer’s calls for ‘restraint’ were dangerously naive.”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage also voiced his backing of the U.S. strikes, adding to the political consensus in favour of Washington’s intervention.
