We all agree Iran must not get a nuclear programme: UK PM Starmer
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- UK PM Starmer says Britain and allies are working to stop Iran developing nuclear weapons as Trump deploys a “massive armada” to the Middle East and urges Tehran to negotiate.
Britain and its allies are working to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said, following US President Donald Trump’s deployment of a “massive armada” to the Middle East and warnings that time is running out for Tehran to strike a deal.
UK Focuses on Nuclear Non-Proliferation
Speaking during a visit to Beijing, Prime Minister Starmer was asked about the situation in Iran.
“The big issue, the big challenge here, is to ensure that Iran doesn’t get a nuclear programme and we all absolutely agree on that,” Starmer said. “We’re working with allies to that end, and that is the central focus.”
Asked whether Trump’s actions were appropriate, Starmer reiterated: “We all agree that ensuring that Iran doesn’t get that nuclear programme is the number one priority, and that’s what we’re working on.”
Trump Sends Naval Armada, Warns Iran
On Wednesday, President Trump announced the dispatch of a US naval fleet, led by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, to the Middle East as part of a build-up of American forces in the region.
Trump warned the Iranian regime to “come to the table” and negotiate a “fair and equitable deal” that includes abandoning its nuclear weapons program. He cautioned: “The next attack will be far worse.”
Trump compared the size of the armada to that used during the operation in Venezuela that led to the capture of Nicolas Maduro, emphasizing the scale and seriousness of the deployment.
Protests in Iran and Human Rights Concerns
Meanwhile, Iran has faced widespread protests across multiple cities in response to government policies, with security forces responding violently. An ongoing internet blackout has made verifying casualties difficult.
According to the US-based organization Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRANA), at least 6,126 people have been confirmed killed in recent weeks, including 5,777 protesters.
Trump signaled on his social media platform, Truth Social, that he is prepared to take further military action against Iran if it does not abandon its nuclear ambitions, referencing a previous strike dubbed “Operation Midnight Hammer.”
“Time is running out, it is truly of the essence,” Trump wrote. “The next attack will be far worse. Don’t make that happen again.”
International Tensions and Next Steps
The deployment of US forces comes amid growing international concern over Iran’s nuclear program and the humanitarian situation in the country.
Both the United Kingdom and the United States have emphasized diplomatic engagement with Tehran while signaling that military options remain on the table if Iran fails to negotiate in good faith.
