Starmer calls for de-escalation of Israel-Iran conflict

(Patria) - United Kingdom (UK) Prime Minister Keir Starmer has once again stressed the necessity of "de-escalation" of the conflict between Israel and Iran, as diplomatic efforts in that direction continue, reports dpa.

Starmer spoke with Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman yesterday afternoon. The conversation followed Iran's launch of retaliatory attacks on Israel overnight.

A Downing Street spokesperson confirmed that Starmer and the Saudi Crown Prince spoke on Saturday afternoon.

A statement from the Prime Minister's office stated that the two leaders discussed the "seriously concerning situation in the Middle East" and agreed on the "need for de-escalation".

"The Prime Minister briefed on ongoing discussions with partners and reiterated that the UK stands ready to work closely with allies in the coming days to support a diplomatic solution," the statement said.

Iranian state media reported yesterday that Tehran had warned the United States, the United Kingdom, and France not to assist Israel in stopping Iranian attacks.

Starmer and US President Donald Trump called for "diplomacy and dialogue" during a phone call on Friday, as part of intensive diplomatic activities by Western countries seeking to prevent the escalation of the conflict.

Starmer had previously called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to calm the situation and seek a "diplomatic solution".