Prime minister stresses need to avoid further regional escalation in the Middle East

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Keir Starmer has urged Iran not to respond after Israel launched a series of airstrikes targeting military sites in Iran overnight, saying the Middle East needs to “avoid further regional escalation”.

Speaking at a press conference in Samoa, the prime minister said: “I am clear that Israel has the right to defend itself against Iranian aggression. I’m equally clear that we need to avoid further regional escalation and urge all sides to show restraint. Iran should not respond.