Sunak urges Iran to de-escalate as he condemns strike on US troops

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Rishi Sunak has urged Iran to de-escalate tensions within the Middle East after three US troops had been killed in a drone strike on an American base in Jordan.

The PM condemned the assault close to the Syrian border which has sparked fears about escalating battle throughout the area, as the UK blamed “Iran-aligned militia”.

US president Joe Biden vowed that the US “shall respond” after blaming Iran-backed teams for the primary US fatalities because the Israel-Hamas battle – however Iran has denied any involvement in drone strike.

“We are concerned and would urge Iran to continue to de-escalate tensions in the region,” Mr Sunak informed broadcasters on a visit to the north-east on Monday.

The PM added: “We absolutely condemn what has happened over the past couple of days. My thoughts are with all of those impacted, those who lost their lives, their families and those that are injured.”

Mr Sunak mentioned the UK would “resolutely with our allies to bring stability and peace to the region”, including: “And that’s what we’ll continue to work towards.”

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq has claimed it’s liable for the strike. At least 34 US troops had been additionally mentioned to have been injured within the strike on the help base identified as Tower 22 on Sunday.

US officers had been working to determine the group behind the assault however have up to now assessed that considered one of a number of Iranian-aligned teams was accountable. Mr Biden mentioned in a written assertion that the US “will hold all those responsible to account at a time and in a manner [of] our choosing”.

Iran has denied any involvement. Nasser Kanaani, spokesman for Iran’s international ministry, mentioned it was “not involved in the decision making of resistance groups” in the best way they select to “defend Palestinians”. And Iran’s minister for intelligence Esmail Khatib mentioned totally different teams make their very own resolution to assault “American aggressors”.

Foreign secretary Lord David Cameron mentioned that Britain “strongly condemned” the assaults by “Iran-aligned militia groups” as he additionally urged Tehran to de-escalate the scenario.

Labour chief Sir Keir Starmer has mentioned these behind the lethal drone strike on a US base in Jordan ought to be “held to account” – however mentioned every thing should be performed to stop escalation. “I am concerned about the possibility of escalation of an already dangerous situation in the Middle East,” he informed broadcasters.

“So we have to see this in that context and do everything that we can to ensure there isn’t escalation of the conflict, and on the contrary, that we find ways to bring this conflict to the immediate end.”

Asked whether or not MPs ought to get to vote on additional UK navy motion, Sir Keir mentioned: “I think it’s important that we judge each intervention on its merits.”

Since Hamas launched its assault on Israel on 7 October, Iranian-backed militias have struck American navy installations in Iraq greater than 60 occasions. In Syria, they’ve struck greater than 90 occasions with drones, rockets, mortars and ballistic missiles.

Militias have mentioned that their strikes are in retaliation for Washington’s help for Israel within the battle in Gaza, and intention to push US forces out of the area.

The US in current months has hit targets in Iraq, Syria and Yemen in response to assaults on its forces and to diminish the threats from Iranian-backed Houthi rebels to business delivery within the Red Sea.

Britain has joined two strikes towards the militants in Yemen, although they up to now appear to have performed little to deter Houthi motion. A British-linked oil tanker went up in flames after a strike claimed by the Yemen-based group on Friday earlier than an additional assault on HMS Diamond was efficiently repelled.

Meanwhile, No 10 additionally defended the pause in funding for UNRWA over allegations employees from the company helped Hamas with its 7 October assault on Israel.

Downing Street mentioned no additional funding had been anticipated to be launched to the company within the coming weeks.

Mr Sunak’s spokesperson mentioned: “My understanding is that we have committed £16 million to UNRWA following the Hamas terror attacks, but this was dispersed before the allegations came to light.”

Labour’s Jonathan Ashworth mentioned the allegations “absolutely appalling” – however argued the UN company’s programmes ought to be allowed to proceed.

The shadow cupboard minister informed Sky News: “What is happening is a catastrophe which is why, for example, we’ve also called for a halt in the fighting, an immediate humanitarian truce, a ceasefire, a sustained ceasefire is needed, but UNRWA programs have to continue.”