Keir Starmer has said the conflict engulfing the Middle East could continue \u201cfor some time\u201d as he insisted the best way forward in the longer term was a negotiated settlement with Iran.<\/p>\n
The prime minister said the UK was doing \u201ceverything we can\u201d to de-escalate the situation, a clear contrast to the US president, who is focused on regime change and has said it was \u201ctoo late\u201d for Tehran to negotiate.<\/p>\n
He defended his decision to block initial offensive strikes by the US and Israel at the weekend, saying he stood by his judgment and denying it had damaged the special relationship.<\/p>\n
Starmer has faced some criticism from Gulf states and Cyprus for not doing enough to protect regional allies and British citizens there from Iranian strikes. He has also been subject to personal attacks from Trump, including that he was \u201cnot Winston Churchill\u201d.<\/p>\n
But the prime minister has urged the US president to de-escalate the conflict and negotiate with Iran to abandon its nuclear programme. Trump, meanwhile, has said he needs to be personally involved in selecting Iran\u2019s next leader.<\/p>\n
Starmer insisted that \u201call ministers\u201d on the national security council had supported the UK position on the use of British bases, rejecting reports he had faced cabinet opposition led by the energy secretary, Ed Miliband. The Guardian understands, however, that all options were discussed at the NSC meeting on Friday.<\/p>\n
In response to claims his response had been characterised by \u201cindecision, prevarication and under-preparation\u201d, the prime minister told reporters the UK would use \u201cmilitary and diplomatic strength\u201d to protect British citizens, and would deploy four more Typhoon fighter jets and two anti-missile helicopters to Cyprus on Thursday.<\/p>\n
But in a firm reprimand to his critics at home and abroad, the prime minister said: \u201cIt means having the strength to stand firm by our values and our principles, no matter the pressure to do otherwise.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe longstanding British position is that the best way forward for the regime and the world is a negotiated settlement with Iran where they give up their nuclear ambition.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s why I took the decision that the UK would not join the initial strikes on Iran by the US and Israel. That decision was deliberate. It was in the national interest, and I stand by it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Starmer, who attended his second Cobra meeting about the conflict on Thursday, insisted the UK would \u201cmaintain the shield\u201d over British people in the region, as well as allies.<\/p>\n