Why Trump's Decision To Bomb Iran Is A Personal Blow For Keir Starmer
Keir Starmer's response to Donald Trump's decision to bomb Iran was predictably diplomatic.
'Iran's nuclear programme is a grave threat to international security,' the prime minister said. '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.'
But there is no doubt that the US air strikes are a personal blow, if not a humiliation, for the prime minister.
Just three days ago, with speculation rife that Trump was preparing to give the green light to military action, a spokesman for Starmer urged the president to step back from the brink.
'Clearly de-escalation is the priority, and we would not want to see anything that ramps up the situation.
'That is our priority. We have been clear on that for a number of days now. De-escalation remains this government's priority.'
Clearly, those pleas from No.10 fell on deaf ears.
The US strikes also call into question Starmer's judgment, given the assessment he made of the crisis in the Middle East while at the G7 summit in Canada.
Trump stunned the world by leaving the gathering a day early, triggering fresh speculation that American involvement in Israel's bombardment of Iran was imminent.
The president also demanded Iran's 'unconditional surrender' and urged Tehran's 10 million residents to evacuate the city.
But despite all of the evidence to the contrary, Starmer insisted that military action was not on Trump's mind.
'I don't think you should read into that that an American attack is imminent,' the PM told Sky News political editor Beth Rigby.
That analysis has proved to be spectacularly wrong.
As Starmer makes a forlorn call for 'stability' in the region, it is hard to escape the conclusion that the UK government is a helpless bystander to the rapidly unfolding crisis.
'Stability Is A Priority': Keir Starmer Responds To Trump's Strikes On Iran
Donald Trump Confirms US Launched Strikes Against Iran In Major Escalation Of Middle Eastern War
Iran-Israel Conflict: How The UK Could Become A 'Target' If It Helps America With The War
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