Trump and Starmer hold crisis talks after US strikes 'obliterate' three Iranian nuclear sites

22 June 2025, 22:44 | Updated: 23 June 2025, 19:22

Sir Keir Starmer held crisis talks with Donald Trump on Sunday evening after the US president launched an overnight stealth bomber raid on Iran.

In the latest escalation of tensions in the Middle East, President Trump confirmed three nuclear sites - Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan - were bombed in the early hours of Sunday.

The shocking attack led Sir Keir to hold an emergency COBRA meeting, as the PM stressed that Britain was doing "everything we can to stabilise the situation".

The two world leaders said they discussed the situation in the Middle East and reiterated the "grave risk posed by Iran's nuclear programme to international security."

They also agreed Iran must never develop a nuclear weapon.

It comes as James Cartlidge, Shadow Defence Secretary, told LBC he questioned the PM's strength of message and "vague" position after he appeared to sit on the fence following the US strike on Iran.

"He can't seem to bring himself to support what the US have done," Mr Cartlidge told Vanessa Baffoe of LBC News.

"He gave the impression after the G7 that he was assured there wouldn't be any military action. So it's looking questionable as to what extent he's leading in this process.

"I'm not sure what confidence that inspires. We're very clear from our point of view. I mean, look, I want to see consensus on national security. I think it's really, really important."

Keir Starmer ‘blindsided’ by Donald Trump’s strikes on Iran

Following their meeting, Trump sensationally called for Iran's regime to be toppled because it was "unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN".

Sharing updates of the military attacks on Iran to his Truth Social page, the US president rhetorically asked: "Why wouldn't there be a regime change?"

A Downing Street spokesman said: "The Prime Minister spoke to the President of the United States Donald Trump this evening.

"The leaders discussed the situation in the Middle East and reiterated the grave risk posed by Iran's nuclear programme to international security.

"They discussed the actions taken by the United States last night to reduce the threat and agreed that Iran must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon.

"They discussed the need for Iran to return to the negotiating table as soon as possible and to make progress on a lasting settlement.

"They agreed to stay in close contact in the coming days."

The foreign office also denied last night that foreign secretary David Lammy “expressed regret” about the US bombing Iran.

The allegation was made in an Iranian readout of a conversation Mr Lammy had with his Iranian opposite number, Abbas Araghchi, on Sunday.

Read more: US hails 'final blow' to Iran's nuclear programme and warns retaliation will be met with 'far greater force'

Read more: Starmer holds emergency COBRA meeting as he says UK 'doing everything it can' to de-escalate Iran tensions

An FCDO spokesperson said: "This representation of the Foreign Secretary’s phone call is inaccurate. The Foreign Secretary warned that this is a moment of extreme peril and that it is important we now de-escalate the situation, stabilise the region, and get all parties back around the table to negotiate. Iran must now immediately seek a diplomatic, negotiated solution to end this crisis."

Earlier, Starmer, Macron and Merz warned Iran "not to take any further action that could destabilise the region" in a joint statement.

The leaders of the UK, France and Germany discussed the Middle East crisis on Sunday.

In a joint statement they said: "We have consistently been clear that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon and can no longer pose a threat to regional security.

"Earlier today, the United States has conducted targeted military strikes against nuclear facilities in Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan. Our aim continues to be to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

"We call upon Iran to engage in negotiations leading to an agreement that addresses all concerns associated with its nuclear programme. We stand ready to contribute to that goal in co-ordination with all parties.

"We urge Iran not to take any further action that could destabilise the region.

"We will continue our joint diplomatic efforts to defuse tensions and ensure the conflict does not intensify and spread further."

LBC callers condemn 'lawlessness' of US strikes on Iran