Asking Iranian President Pezeshkian Not To Attack Israel, British Prime Minister Starmer: War Not Beneficial

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. (Wikimedia Commons/Simon Dawson/No 10 Downing Street)

JAKARTA - British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called on Iran to refrain from attacking Israel, saying the war did not benefit anyone, when calling President Masoud Pezeshkian, the prime minister's office said.

According to Sky News, which first reported the news, the phone call lasted 30 minutes and came after British Prime Minister spoke with US President Joe Biden and other European allies on Monday.

PM Starmer told President Pezeshkian he was deeply concerned about the situation in the Middle East and asked all parties to de-escalate to avoid further regional confrontations.

"There is a serious risk of miscalculation and now it's time for calm and careful consideration," PM Starmer said, citing a Downing Street 10 statement, adding that he underlined his commitment to immediately ceasefire, releasing all hostages and increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza. August 13.

PM Starmer further said his focus should be on diplomatic negotiations.

The leaders agreed that the constructive dialogue between the two countries was of the interests of the two countries.

However, PM Starmer told President Pezeshkian the dialogue between the two could only continue if Iran stopped its "destabilizing actions", including threats to individuals in Britain and if Iran stopped helping Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

PM Starmer spoke with Pezeshkian as part of a de-escalation effort to ease tensions in the Middle East.

Recent killings of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran and military commander Hezbollah Fuad Shukr in Beirut have sparked a threat of retaliation against Israel.