LONDON: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed that British forces will remain outside all US led ground operations against Iran.
The Prime Minister stated that “The war in Iran is not our war, and we will not get entangled in it. What we have done so far is a defensive action.”
He confirmed that the United Kingdom would maintain its defensive operations which include efforts to restore access to the Strait of Hormuz.
He said that “Our pilots had already entered the battlefield within one hour after the war started. The purpose of this action was to protect British citizens, our interests, and our allies in the region.”
Starmer stated that the United Kingdom will protect its national interests while safeguarding people who live in the Middle East. “We will do what we can to mitigate the domestic impacts of the war and continue working with our international allies.”
Trump confirms indirect talks with Iran through Pakistan, says deal is close
Earlier, United States President Donald Trump has hinted that the US might be on the verge of reaching a deal with Iran, as indicated in talks that have been ongoing indirectly through Pakistani diplomatic channels.
While in an exclusive interview with the Financial Times, Trump revealed that the US is in serious talks with Iran, and the talks have been progressing through Pakistani embassies as go-betweens. Trump also indicated optimism in the talks and hinted that the US could be on the verge of reaching a deal with Iran.
“We are in the process of negotiating, both directly and indirectly, with Iran,” Trump revealed in an interview with the Financial Times. “Through Pakistani embassies, we have seen substantial progress, and we’re very close to a deal.”
While discussing the possibility of US military operations in the region, Trump revealed that the US could seize Iranian oil and even take over crucial strategic locations in the region. The US, Trump revealed, could also take over Kharg Island and Iran’s oil.
Additionally, the president stated that Iran had also allowed several Pakistani ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. “Iran has permitted Pakistani-flagged vessels to transit the Strait, and now about 20 ships are passing through. The Iranian speaker, Baqer Qalibaf, approved this move, and we’re monitoring the situation closely,” said Trump.
Regarding the presence of American military in the Middle East, President Trump confirmed that hundreds of American special operations forces had been deployed in the region. Although it is not clear what exactly their role is in the region, it is evident that they will be part of what is likely to happen in Cuba in the near future. “Cuba will fail soon, and we will be there to support the people,” said Trump.
President Trump’s statements on the Middle East conflict have been made at a time when tensions in the region have been on the rise following Iran’s activities in the Strait of Hormuz. Although there is hope that the conflict is likely to be resolved diplomatically, analysts have indicated that much depends on the continued success of the indirect talks. However, President Trump has emphasized that there is a need for America to have a strong military presence in the region even as there is a possibility of making peace with Iran.
