The UK government is navigating a complex diplomatic situation amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. Telephone calls and WhatsApp messages are being exchanged between leaders, foreign ministers, and diplomats, indicating that the conflict is far from over. In response to the developing situation, the Foreign Office has activated two “crisis centres” – one handling the Middle East situation and the other addressing the plane crash in Ahmedabad, India.
The British government’s public response has been carefully calibrated, avoiding explicit endorsement of Israel’s actions. However, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has acknowledged the UK’s “long-held grave concerns” about Iran’s nuclear program, which Israel is currently targeting. UK preparations for potential Israeli strikes on Iran began in April last year, and a “table top exercise” was conducted on Monday, chaired by Foreign Secretary David Lammy, to discuss the UK’s response.
“We were hugely conscious of the risk of this happening at some point,” one source said, while another added, “But we are not getting into an assessment of the rights and wrongs of it.” The prime minister’s conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lasted around 15 minutes and was initiated by Netanyahu. A similar conversation between Starmer and President Trump focused solely on Israel and Iran, aside from birthday greetings.
David Lammy is expected to engage in further discussions with Middle Eastern counterparts on Saturday, building on talks with representatives from Iran, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia on Friday. He also participated in a joint meeting with the foreign ministers of France, Germany, and Italy, as well as the EU’s foreign affairs chief, Kaja Kallas. Although no ministerial-level Cobra meeting is scheduled for today, officials from various government departments will convene to discuss the latest developments.
The upcoming UN summit on a two-state solution has been postponed, according to French officials who informed the UK government. Prime Minister Starmer will travel to Ottawa, Canada, for talks with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, focusing on security and trade. The situation in the Middle East will be a top agenda item at the G7 summit in Alberta on Sunday.
As the situation continues to unfold, the international community remains vigilant, with leaders weighing the potential consequences of further escalation. The UK’s measured approach reflects its cautious diplomacy in the face of a rapidly changing situation.