UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said Israel is wrong to keep striking Lebanon and said the attacks should stop, even as questions remain over the exact terms of the US-Iran ceasefire.
In an interview with ITV News, Starmer said he could not say for certain whether the strikes amount to a formal breach because the full details of the ceasefire are not public. But he made clear that, in his view, the continued attacks are unacceptable.
Starmer said the issue is bigger than legal wording, as it involves humanitarian concerns and the impact on civilians affected by the ongoing conflict. He said Israel’s strikes on Lebanon should not be continuing but should end.
The interview was his first with ITV News’ Talking Politics podcast since the United States and Iran reached a fragile two-week ceasefire. According to ITV News, Israel has continued military action in Lebanon despite the deal, including what the outlet described as the deadliest day on Wednesday.
Starmer also spoke about the Strait of Hormuz after Iran’s deputy foreign minister told ITV News that the waterway is open. The prime minister said that claim still has to be tested.
Describing Britain’s position, he said if the strait is open, ships must be able to pass safely and without tolls. The real measure will be what happens over the next few days, not what is said immediately after the deal, he added.
Starmer stated the recent crisis had once again exposed how vulnerable economies are to global energy disruption. He said that families and businesses shouldn’t have to deal with bills that change all the time because of things they can’t control.
He also addressed comments made by President Donald Trump during the standoff. Starmer said the language used by Trump was not language he would use, adding that the UK would continue to act according to its own principles.
Starmer said again that Britain would not get involved in the war. He said that UK bases had not been used for larger offensive actions and that any direct military role would need to be backed by law. He also denied that British facilities were used to attack civilians.
Starmer made the remarks while continuing his trip through the Gulf, where he has already met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
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