Starmer confirms military buildup in Middle East as Europe urges restraint

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed the United Kingdom is building up its forces in the Middle East in response to Israel and Iran’s war — as he and other European politicians continued to implore both sides to de-escalate.

Speaking on his way to the G7 summit in Canada, which starts Sunday, he said: “We are moving assets to the region, including jets, and that is for contingency support in the region. I will be clear-eyed in relation to our duties and obligations, and my duties as the prime minister of the United Kingdom.”

Starmer said that after speaking to numerous world leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, there are widespread fears of escalation, according to The Times. His announcement came after Iranian media reported that Tehran had warned the U.S., the U.K. and France that it would strike their military bases and naval vessels if they chose to defend Israel against its retaliatory strikes.

“We do have long-standing concerns about the nuclear program that Iran has, and we do recognize Israel’s right to self-defense,” he said on the plane to the G7 on Saturday. “But I am absolutely clear that this needs to de-escalate.”

Despite Iran firing numerous missiles at Israel since hostilities began on Friday, the U.S. and U.K. so far have not said they have assisted their ally in shooting them down, as they did when Iran fired missiles at Israel last year.

Trump on Sunday denied that the U.S. had been part of the Israeli attack on Iran, in which Israel targeted nuclear facilities and key figures on Friday, sparking Tehran’s response.

Speaking after a third day of fighting between Iran and Israel unfolded, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said late Saturday that talks should be scheduled within the next week to de-escalate the conflict.

“I hope that’s still possible,” Wadephul told ARD late on Saturday. “Germany, together with France and Britain are ready. We’re offering Iran immediate negotiations about the nuclear program, I hope (the offer) is accepted.”

Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides said Iran asked him to deliver a message to Israel’s leader Benjamin Netayanhu, which he will do during a phone call today, Greek media reported.

World leaders have repeated calls for restraint, fearing the conflict will spread in the region, which has already been embroiled in war for almost two years.

Since Palestinian militant group Hamas’ attack on Israel in October 2023, Israel has waged a fierce war against in the Gaza Strip and also struck hard at hostile, Iran-backed proxies in Lebanon and Yemen, as well as bombing Syria following regime change in that country.

European support for Israel, which seemed unquestionable following the terror attack which killed over 1,200 people, has waned in recent months as the humanitarian situation in Gaza reaches catastrophic levels.

The situation between Iran and Israel will be a topic at the G7 summit in Canada, said Wadephul.

Tel Aviv and Tehran haven’t thus far spoken directly, but “within the next week we must make a serious attempt on both sides to break the spiral of violence,” Wadephul said.

This article has been updated.