“War is not in anyone’s interest,”British Prime Minister Keir Starmer told Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in the course of a call.
Starmer’s Message To Pezeshkian During A Call
Starmer told the Iranian President on Monday that war is not in anyone’s interest and asked him to refrain from attacking Israel.
The British PM spoke with Pezeshkian as part of efforts to ease tensions in the Middle East.
Recent killings of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran and Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut have drawn threats of retaliation against Israel.
Sky News reported that the phone call lasted 30 minutes.
The British premier had spoken with U.S. President Joe Biden and European allies earlier on Monday.
Starmer Voices Concern
Starmer voiced concern over the situation in the Middle East and called on all parties to de-escalate to avoid further regional confrontation.
The British Prime Minister said, “There was a serious risk of miscalculation and now was the time for calm and careful consideration.”
Starmer further said that he had underlined his commitment to an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages and increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Need To Focus On Diplomatic Negotiations
Starmer stressed on the need to focus on diplomatic negotiations.
What Did Pezeshkian Say?
Iran’s president said war anywhere in the world is in no one’s interest.
He however said that states had the right to “punitive responses against an aggressor”, the official news agency IRNA reported.
Pezeshkian told Starmer that the support of some Western countries for the Zionist regime (Israel) is irresponsible and contrary to international standards.
The Iranian President said that such support encourages the Zionist regime to continue its crimes and endangers regional security.
Need For A Dialogue
Furthermore, the leaders agreed that a constructive dialogue was in British and Iranian interests.
But Starmer told Pezeshkian that such a dialogue could only be furthered if Iran ceased “destabilising actions”.
These actions include threats against individuals in Britain and stopping to aid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
(With Inputs From Reuters)
