Foreign Secretary David Lammy has sent a clear message to Iran: stop increasing tensions and return to peaceful talks. His message comes after Iran warned of “everlasting consequences” following US military strikes over the weekend. These strikes targeted nuclear sites in Iran and have made the situation more dangerous.
Iran Warned to Avoid a Big Mistake
David Lammy said that it would be a huge and dangerous mistake if Iran decides to attack US military bases or tries to block the Strait of Hormuz, a very important sea route for oil shipments. Lammy spoke to Iran’s foreign minister on the phone and told him to take this message directly to Iran’s leaders.
“There is still a chance for Iran to take a peaceful path,” Lammy said in an interview with BBC Radio 4. “We are urging them to use this off-ramp – a way to avoid war – and return to the negotiating table.”
He also said the UK is working with other major countries, like France, Germany, and the United States, as well as countries across the Middle East, to encourage Iran to take peaceful steps.
US Strikes Raise Global Concerns
The US attacked three important nuclear sites in Iran — Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordo — on Saturday night. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said that the UK was not involved in these airstrikes. He made it clear that Britain wants to calm things down and avoid any further military action.
In a public statement, Starmer said: “We are doing everything we can to keep the situation stable. We also want to protect people in the UK from rising energy prices that can result from conflict in the Middle East.”
He added that the UK is focused on peace and not on getting involved in another war. This statement comes as part of the Daily news highlights.
Is Iran Trying to Make Nuclear Weapons?
David Lammy also talked about Iran’s nuclear program. He said that Iran is enriching uranium to 60%, which is a very high level and close to what is needed to make nuclear weapons. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN’s nuclear agency, confirmed this high level of uranium.
Lammy said: “Iran can have a peaceful nuclear program that is carefully watched by the international community. But enriching uranium to 60% makes no sense unless they are trying to build a nuclear bomb.”
He explained that if Iran gets nuclear weapons, it could lead to other countries in the Middle East also trying to build bombs. That would make the entire world more dangerous.
Diplomacy is Still the Best Solution
Even though the US used military force, Lammy said that diplomacy is the only real solution. He believes that experts and nuclear materials still remain in Iran, so talking is the only long-term way to fix the problem.
The IAEA held an emergency meeting on Monday. The agency’s chief, Rafael Grossi, demanded that Iran give inspectors access to its enriched uranium stockpiles — including 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60%.
This is part of the ongoing efforts to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear-armed state.
Political Reactions and Future Involvement
James Cartlidge, from the Conservative Party, said they support the US airstrikes and added that it’s important to show support for Israel and the US. However, he also said it’s too early to say if the UK will join the conflict.
The UK’s Defence Secretary John Healey has already moved planes and military equipment to the Middle East. This is a step taken so the UK can respond quickly if needed.
On the other hand, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey criticized the UK government. He said the ministers are avoiding clear answers and not doing enough to keep Britain out of another war.
“These strikes by the US will affect global peace and security for years,” Davey said. “The UK must make sure we are not pulled into another illegal war in the Middle East.”
David Lammy is expected to make a detailed statement in the House of Commons soon. Many people are watching to see how the UK will respond in the coming days.
