STARMER WARNS OF 'ESCALATION' RISK AS UK TERROR THREAT RISES

Global tensions increase after Trump blitzes three key Iranian nuclear facilities

- By Martyn Brown Political Editor

SIR Keir Starmer warns the Middle East crisis could spread after Donald Trump ordered the US blitz on Iran's nuclear programme.

The Prime Minister has urged all sides to return to negotiations but said he had taken "all necessary measures" to protect British interests in the region if the conflict escalates.

Sir Keir confirmed there was no British involvement in the action but the Government was informed before the US strikes.

The PM chaired a meeting of the Government's Cobra crisis committee yesterday afternoon and held a series of calls with world leaders.

Sir Keir said there was a “risk of escalation”, adding: “That’s a risk to the region.

“It’s a risk beyond the region — and that’s why our focus has been on de-escalating, getting people back around to negotiate what is a very real threat in relation to the nuclear programme.”

The Prime Minister joined with French president Emmanuel Macron and Germany’s chancellor Friedrich Merz to warn Iran "not to take any further action that could destabilise the region" following the US strikes on Saturday night.

In a joint statement they said last night: “We have consistently been clear that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon and can no longer pose a threat to regional security.

"The United States has conducted targeted military strikes against nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. Our aim continues to be to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.