Keir Starmer today expressed his support for the objective of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, amidst escalating threats from Donald Trump regarding potential UK military action.
The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of Western allies addressing Iran’s violent suppression of protests.
Meanwhile, the US President has been increasing military presence in the region, urging Tehran to agree to a deal that would see it abandon its nuclear ambitions and put an end to the crackdown on political dissent.
During his visit to China, Sir Keir condemned the Iranian regime’s treatment of demonstrators, calling it “grotesque” and reaffirming that it remains a primary focus.
“The aim here is to ensure that Iran does not develop nuclear weapons, which is of significant importance,” Starmer told the BBC. “Additionally, we must confront the reality of their repression and killing of protesters.”
Keir Starmer backed the ‘goal’ of stopping Iran getting nuclear weapons today as Donald Trump ramps up threats of UK strikes
Mr Trump has being building military forces in the region, demanding Tehran agrees a deal to abandon its nuclear programme and end ‘senseless killing’ of political opponents
He further stated, “What is happening is grotesque, and that is where our efforts are concentrated. We are collaborating with our allies to address these issues.”
Pressed on whether the UK would support a future US strike on the country, he said: ‘I am saying we support the goal and we are talking to allies about how we get to that goal.’
The US president said on Wednesday a ‘massive armada’ – led by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln – had been dispatched to the Middle East.
He warned that Tehran must ‘come to the table’ to make a ‘fair and equitable deal,’ including abandoning its nuclear weapons programme, or ‘the next attack will be far worse’.
Within the country, thousands of people have been killed in recent weeks as the Iranian authorities have responded to protests in cities across the country with a brutal crackdown.
The numbers of those who have died and been injured are not easy to estimate because of an ongoing internet blackout in Iran.
US-based organisation Human Rights Activists in Iran, also known by the initials of its news agency HRANA, believes the number of confirmed deaths is 6,126, of which 5,777 were protesters.
In response, the European Union announced earlier this week it would add the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps to its list of terrorist organisations – a move which prompted renewed calls for the UK to do the same.
Then-home secretary Yvette Cooper announced last May that powers would be created to proscribe state-backed groups if they are deemed to pose a threat to Britain after recommendations by terror watchdog Jonathan Hall KC.
Government sources have said the proposed laws will be introduced as soon as parliamentary time allows, but have not been drawn on which specific groups might be banned.
Downing Street refused to be drawn on whether serious consideration had been given to proscribing the IRGC in particular when asked by journalists on Friday.
‘It’s the long-standing position of successive governments that we don’t comment on matters related to proscription,’ a No 10 spokesman said.
The official said the UK was prepared to impose more sanctions if the crackdown persists and ‘continues to work with our international partners to tackle the threats posed by Iran’.
Shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel on Thursday called on the Government to take action against the group.
A woman walks past a propaganda poster condemning the US in Tehran this week
‘The brutality of the Tehran regime is an affront to humanity. Thousands slaughtered, many more injured and tortured, and show trials continuing, all while Iran sponsors terrorism and threatens regional security,’ she said.
‘The Labour Government’s silence on the IRGC is appalling. We have said that we would work with them to bring forward the legal and legislative mechanisms for the UK to take action.
‘Britain must stand up for the Iranian people and confront this vile regime with strength and resolve.’
