The President of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, engaged in a 30-minute discussion with Sir Keir Starmer as part of global initiatives to decrease tensions in the Middle East.
This phone discussion followed a united declaration by the UK, US, France, and Germany, urging Iran and its associates to “cease its ongoing threats of a military strike against Israel”.
Concerns are mounting that Iran may retaliate against Israel for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh within the nation, prompting the US to instruct the deployment of a guided missile submarine to the Middle East.
During the conversation with Mr. Pezeshkian, Sir Keir expressed being “deeply troubled by the current situation” and urged all parties to “de-escalate and prevent further regional tensions”, according to a statement from Downing Street.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the “substantial risk of misjudgment and emphasized the need for calm and thoughtful deliberation”, urging Iran to “restrain from attacking Israel” and asserting that “war does not serve anyone’s interests”.
The statement further indicated: “The Prime Minister emphasized his dedication to an immediate ceasefire, the liberation of all captives, and the amplification of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
“He emphasized that the focus should be on diplomatic dialogues to achieve these objectives.”
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
‘Iran wants to see a military effect’
Sir Keir also mentioned the situation of foreign detainees in Iran, and the two leaders agreed that “productive discussions…were beneficial for both nations”.
“The Prime Minister added that such talks could only progress if Iran halted its disruptive actions, including threats against individuals in the UK, and refrained from further supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine,” stated Downing Street.
‘Very Uncommon Interaction’
Sky’s Reporter covering the Middle East, Alistair Bunkall remarked on the rarity of a discussion between a British Prime Minister and an Iranian leader, highlighting the significance of having a British embassy in Tehran – a diplomatic asset not possessed by many nations, including the US.
In the conversation, Sir Keir successfully conveyed the strategy that Western leaders are utilizing “as an incentive… to pull Iran back from the brink,” as mentioned by Bunkall.
This implies that “if we can progress with a ceasefire agreement and ceasefire discussions are slated for Thursday, any actions taken in the interim, or even subsequently, pose the risk of jeopardizing those talks,” he elaborated.
In the preceding joint statement involving Italy, the global leaders stressed the urgency of reaching a ceasefire swiftly and ensuring the liberation of the remaining hostages in Gaza.
Read more:
Hezbollah and Iran ‘poised to attack Israel this week’
Urgent appeal for retaliation following the strike on Hezbollah military chief
Israel clarifies attack on Gaza school-converted-shelter
The official statement further mentioned: “We reiterated our backing for Israel’s defense against Iranian hostilities and assaults from Iran-sponsored terrorist factions.
“We urged Iran to cease its continuous threats of launching a military offensive on Israel and deliberated on the severe repercussions for regional stability if such an assault transpired.”
Iran commenced military exercises on Friday in the western region of Kermanshah, in close proximity to the Iraq border.
Iran indicated that Hamas’s prominent political leader Ismail Haniyeh was “eliminated” in Tehran on 31st July.
Israel has not accepted nor refuted any involvement in Mr. Haniyeh’s demise.
👉 Press here to subscribe to the Sky News Daily on your preferred podcast platform 👈
When questioned about possible retaliation by Iran or Hezbollah, or an escalation in the regional conflict, an Israeli government spokesperson referred to a “circle of terrorist armies”.
David Mencer informed Sky News: “This malevolent axis of Iran has formed a tight grip against Israel.”
He further stated: “Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, the Houthis in Yemen… Israel will make sure to exact a significant toll for any acts of aggression against us from any front.
“We’ve clearly communicated, we’ll always extend an olive branch to peace to any party, we desire peace with Iran’s populace, but this governing regime, this authoritarian, Islamist regime in power in Tehran, they must comprehend that our extensive reach will grasp anyone causing harm to our citizens.”
