Trump not planning US military action against Iran, says British premier
'The wording of the G7 statement is very clear about de-escalation—and de-escalation across the region, including the situation in Gaza,' says Keir Starmer
LONDON
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Tuesday rejected suggestions that the US, under President Donald Trump, is preparing to support an Israeli attack on Iran, insisting the American leader is committed to peace and de-escalation in the Middle East.
Speaking to reporters at the G7 summit in Kananaskis, Canada, Starmer said he has "no doubt" about Trump's intentions after spending time with him at a leaders' dinner on Monday evening, where a joint statement calling for regional de-escalation was agreed upon.
When asked if the US would assist Israel in military action against Iran, Starmer said: "I don't think anything the president has said here or elsewhere suggests that."
“The wording of the G7 statement is very clear about de-escalation—and de-escalation across the region, including the situation in Gaza,” he added.
Starmer, who was seated next to Trump during the dinner, said the leaders were closely involved in drafting the joint communique.
“So I’ve no doubt in my mind the level of agreement there was in relation to the words that were then issued immediately after that,” he said.
The G7 statement, issued late Monday, called for restraint amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran and backed renewed diplomatic efforts aimed at reviving nuclear talks with Tehran.
President Trump, speaking separately to reporters aboard Air Force One as he left the summit, said he was looking for “a real end” to the conflict, rather than a temporary ceasefire.
“I didn’t say I was looking for a ceasefire… we’re looking for better than a ceasefire,” Trump said, fueling speculation over Washington’s next steps in the region.
But Starmer pushed back against the idea that the comments hinted at military intervention. “There is nothing the president said that suggests he's about to get involved in this conflict. On the contrary, the G7 statement was about de-escalation,” he said.
When asked about Trump’s apparent rejection of a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, Starmer said: “I think what he said was he wanted to go beyond a ceasefire, effectively, and end the conflict. And I think he’s right about that. I mean, a ceasefire is always a means to an end.”
He added that the long-term goal should be a negotiated solution that tackles the Iranian nuclear program and addresses wider instability in the region, including the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
