Starmer says 'grave threat' of Iran eased by US strikes

Sir Keir Starmer has backed Donald Trump's dramatic decision to bomb Iran. The US president said the attacks carried out at Fordow, Natanz and Esfahan were "very successful".

- DAVID MADDOX, KATE DEVLIN

In a statement, the prime minister 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 attacks come just 48 hours before Sir Keir is set to join other world leaders, including representatives of the Trump administration, for a major Nato summit in the Hague.

Downing Street said that the prime minister called allies, including Jordan and Oman, to discuss the ongoing situation further before chairing an emergency Cobra committee in London.

Like other allies, the UK only learned of the attack by B-2 stealth bombers after it had happened. Foreign secretary David Lammy and his French counterpart had held talks with Iran on Friday, but the discussions were unsuccessful.

Speaking on Sky News' Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips, business secretary Jonathan Reynolds confirmed the UK government is "in active conversations to get people out" of Israel, Iran and the wider region.

"That will be hours, not days," he added. "We have been making extensive preparations." He said British citizens in the region are "the government's first priority."