By Emeka Blast 
Here’s the latest on UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer urging restraint in the escalating Israel–Iran conflict—particularly addressing Former US President Donald Trump:
🕊️ Starmer’s Call for De-escalation
- Speaking in the House of Commons on June 19, 2025, Starmer stressed that although Israel has the right to defend itself under international law, “the region cannot endure another year of this” and all parties must “step back from the brink”
- He warned against further military escalation in response to Iran’s missile attacks, labeling them “an act of aggression and a major escalation”
- Starmer called for a diplomatic resolution, urging Israel and Iran to find the courage of restraint rather than pursuing military escalation.
Why Trump Was in Starmer’s Crosshairs
- Reports indicate that Donald Trump was contemplating military action against Iran, possibly targeting the Fordow nuclear site. He had reportedly given approval for plans to strike, contingent on Iran’s nuclear posture.
- Starmer directly appealed to Trump to wait, cautioning against making unilateral military decisions amid rising tensions.
Broader Context & Responses
- UK legal advisors, including the Attorney General, warned that deeper military involvement could be illegal under international law unless limited to self-defense.
- US Congress—notably Democrats like Senator Tim Kaine—is pushing back, seeking to reinforce Congressional authorization, warning Trump against initiating a military strike without proper oversight.
- Globally, leaders such as those from the UN, China, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, EU member-states, and monitoring bodies like the IAEA, have uniformly called for calm and a shift toward diplomacy, warning of escalating conflict and regional instability .
🧭 What to Watch Next
| Area | What to Monitor |
|---|---|
| Trump’s Decision | Whether he proceeds with a strike (especially targeting Fordow or other nuclear sites) |
| Congressional Action | Momentum behind resolutions limiting war powers |
| UK Legal Position | Any published advice from the Attorney General clarifying the UK’s legal limits |
| Diplomatic Efforts | Any new initiatives by the UK, US, EU, UN, or IAEA aimed at de-escalation |
✅ Bottom Line
Starmer’s message was clear: Don’t rush to war. He urged Trump and other leaders to prioritize diplomacy, international law, and caution before escalating military involvement. Both the UK government and global institutions echo this stance—even as military options are being considered.
