UK's Starmer says Iran should refrain from further strikes and cease appalling violence and oppression against Iranian people

UK's Starmer says Iran should refrain from further strikes and cease appalling violence and oppression against Iranian people

UK Condemns Iran’s Regional Attacks, Urges Diplomatic Resolution

On February 28, 2026, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, issued a joint statement condemning Iran’s recent military strikes against regional neighbors. The leaders emphasized the need for Iran to refrain from indiscriminate military strikes and cease the appalling violence and repression against its own people. The statement followed a wave of retaliatory Iranian missile attacks targeting Israel and other Gulf states, including Qatar, the UAE, and Kuwait, which were preceded by U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iranian leadership sites in Tehran.

The UK, France, and Germany reiterated longstanding demands for Iran to halt its nuclear program, curb ballistic missile development, and cease destabilizing activities in the Middle East. Starmer’s government also underscored its commitment to regional stability and civilian protection, though it clarified that the UK did not participate in the initial U.S.-Israeli strikes. The joint statement called for renewed negotiations to resolve tensions, stressing that the Iranian people must be allowed to determine their future.

Recent escalations have included a reported attack on a girls' school in Iran’s Hormozgan province, which state media claimed killed 53 people. Meanwhile, international airlines have suspended or rerouted flights to the region amid heightened security risks, impacting global connectivity and trade.

The UK’s stance aligns with broader European efforts to counter Iran’s influence, including prior parliamentary resolutions condemning Tehran’s crackdown on dissent and its support for militant groups. However, the joint statement avoided direct calls for sanctions, instead prioritizing diplomatic engagement.

As the situation evolves, investors and analysts are monitoring potential spillovers for regional economies, energy markets, and global trade routes, particularly given the proximity of strikes to critical infrastructure and shipping lanes. The UK’s emphasis on de-escalation reflects a balancing act between supporting allies and avoiding further conflict, though the path to a negotiated solution remains uncertain.

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