Best way forward for Iran would be negotiated settlement, says Starmer [View all]

Source: The Guardian

Thu 5 Mar 2026 12.28 EST
Last modified on Thu 5 Mar 2026 23.55 EST


Keir Starmer has said the conflict engulfing the Middle East could continue “for some time” as he insisted the best way forward in the longer term was a negotiated settlement with Iran.

The prime minister said the UK was doing “everything we can” to de-escalate the situation, a clear contrast to the US president, who is focused on regime change and has said it was “too late” for Tehran to negotiate. 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.

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 “not Winston Churchill”.

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’s next leader.

Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/mar/05/best-way-forward-for-iran-would-be-negotiated-settlement-says-starmer