In a recent address to the British Parliament, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak rebuked Iran for what he termed as "sowing chaos" in the Middle East, following a series of events over the weekend. Sunak commended the bravery of the Royal Air Force (RAF) pilots who collaborated with US-led forces to intercept Iranian drones, affirming the UK's role in providing crucial intelligence and support in the operation alongside its allies. Sunak reiterated his condemnation of Iran's actions, emphasizing the need for all parties to exercise restraint amidst escalating tensions.
Expressing solidarity with Israel, Sunak pledged to engage with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to discuss measures to prevent further escalation and underscored the importance of upholding regional security. He outlined three key priorities moving forward: maintaining regional stability, pursuing the two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, and increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Highlighting the direct impact of events in the Middle East on domestic security and prosperity, Sunak affirmed the UK's unwavering stance on Gaza. The parliamentary statement coincided with the summoning of the Chargé d’Affaires of the Iranian Embassy in London by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) on the instructions of Foreign Secretary David Cameron.
An FCDO spokesperson denounced Iran's actions as a "profoundly dangerous and unnecessary escalation," emphasizing the imperative for Iran to de-escalate and cease its unlawful behavior immediately. Cameron, speaking to the BBC, characterized the attack as a "double defeat" for Iran, cautioning against further escalation and urging Israel to exercise prudence in its response. He echoed sentiments expressed by US President Joe Biden, advocating for a strategic approach rather than retaliatory measures.
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