Scotland's First Minister John Swinney has described Donald Trump's threats against Iranian infrastructure as 'unconscionable', warning they will cause enormous hardship for the Iranian people.
The US president issued an ultimatum to Tehran on his Truth Social platform, demanding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz by 1am UK time on Wednesday, or face strikes on power plants and bridges. The blockade has severely disrupted oil flows from the Gulf and driven up global prices.
Speaking to the Press Association on Tuesday, Swinney called for immediate de-escalation, stating that 'the entire conflict in Iran should not be taking place'. He labelled the US and Israeli intervention as 'unwarranted and illegal', adding that Trump cannot conclude what he has started.
Swinney urged the UK government and the international community to work towards a diplomatic solution to avoid further military activity. 'The need for de-escalation is absolutely essential,' he said, stressing that the UK has a part to play in resolving the crisis.
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar also criticised Trump, saying on Monday that the US president appears 'intent on making the world even more unsafe'.
