Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has declared that the United Kingdom and its international allies must urgently "deal with" Iran's brutal crackdown on anti-government demonstrators, which has resulted in thousands of deaths. His comments come amidst a significant escalation of military pressure from the United States in the Gulf region, with President Donald Trump warning that time is running out for diplomatic solutions.
UK Backs Nuclear Prevention Goal
During a visit to China, Sir Keir emphasised that the UK firmly supports "the goal" of preventing Tehran from developing nuclear weapons, describing this objective as "hugely important." When questioned by BBC broadcasters about whether Britain would endorse any potential American military strike against Iran, the Prime Minister stated: "I am saying we support the goal and we are talking to allies about how we get to that goal." He refrained from explicitly backing military action, focusing instead on collaborative international efforts.
Describing Repression as "Grotesque"
Sir Keir characterised the Iranian regime's violent suppression of protesters as "grotesque," asserting that this issue remains a primary focus for the UK government. "The goal or the aim here is that Iran shouldn't be able to develop nuclear weapons and that is hugely important and, of course, we need to deal with the fact they are repressing protesters, killing protesters," he explained. "It is grotesque what is happening so that is where our focus is and we are working with allies to that end."
Trump's Military Buildup and Ultimatum
President Trump announced on Wednesday that a "massive armada" led by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln has been deployed to the Middle East. He issued a stark warning to Tehran, demanding that it "come to the table" to negotiate a "fair and equitable deal" involving the abandonment of its nuclear weapons programme. Trump cautioned that failure to comply would result in consequences, stating: "the next attack will be far worse." He also called for an immediate end to the "senseless killing" of protesters within Iran.
Scale of the Crackdown and Information Blackout
Inside Iran, authorities have responded to widespread urban protests with a severe and deadly crackdown. Estimating the precise number of casualties has proven challenging due to an ongoing internet blackout imposed by the government. However, the US-based organisation Human Rights Activists in Iran, operating under the news agency HRANA, reports that confirmed deaths have reached 6,126, with 5,777 of those identified as protesters.
EU Terror Listing and UK Legislative Moves
In response to the violence, the European Union this week announced its decision to add the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to its list of terrorist organisations. This move has intensified calls for the United Kingdom to follow suit. Last May, then-Home Secretary Yvette Cooper revealed plans to create new legal powers enabling the proscription of state-backed groups deemed a threat to Britain, following recommendations from terror watchdog Jonathan Hall KC.
Government sources have indicated that these proposed laws will be introduced "as soon as parliamentary time allows," but have not specified which groups might be banned. When pressed by journalists on Friday about whether serious consideration was being given to proscribing the IRGC specifically, a Downing Street spokesman declined to comment, citing the "long-standing position of successive governments that we don't comment on matters related to proscription."
Sanctions and International Coordination
The Number 10 official confirmed that the UK stands ready to impose further sanctions on Iran if the violent crackdown continues. The spokesman added that Britain "continues to work with our international partners to tackle the threats posed by Iran," underscoring a commitment to coordinated diplomatic and economic pressure.
Opposition Criticism and Calls for Action
Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel has strongly criticised the Labour government's approach, accusing it of "appalling" silence regarding the IRGC. "The brutality of the Tehran regime is an affront to humanity. Thousands slaughtered, many more injured and tortured, and show trials continuing, all while Iran sponsors terrorism and threatens regional security," she stated on Thursday.
Patel continued: "The Labour Government's silence on the IRGC is appalling. We have said that we would work with them to bring forward the legal and legislative mechanisms for the UK to take action. Britain must stand up for the Iranian people and confront this vile regime with strength and resolve." Her remarks highlight the domestic political pressure on Sir Keir's administration to adopt a firmer stance against the Iranian authorities.
