Starmer backs US bombing of Iran's nuclear facilities but warns of risk of escalation

"The concern is it will become a wider conflict. We are at a dangerous moment"

- Jessica Elgot Ben Quinn

Keir Starmer yesterday warned of a "risk of escalation" from the US attack on Iran's nuclear sites but said he backed the action and called on Tehran to return to negotiations.

The prime minister, who was quick to clarify the UK had no involvement in the strikes, also held a Cobra emergency committee meeting and spoke to France's president, Emmanuel Macron, and Germany's chancellor, Friedrich Merz.

In a joint statement, the three European leaders said it was "clear that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon and can no longer pose a threat to regional security".

They said their joint aim was to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, and they called on Tehran to address international concerns over its nuclear programme.

"We stand ready to contribute to that goal in coordination with all parties," the statement said.

"We urge Iran not to take any further action that could destabilise the region. We will continue our joint diplomatic efforts to defuse tensions and ensure the conflict does not intensify and spread further."

The US made no request for any UK assistance in the bombing of the three nuclear sites, the Guardian understands. This included any use of the Diego Garcia base in the Chagos Islands, the recent subject of a lease deal with Mauritius.