Scotland's First Minister John Swinney has said the US-Israeli attack on Iran is “not compatible with the international rules-based system”. Speaking to the Press Association on Monday, he voiced concern over the intervention but stopped short of calling it illegal.
“I’m deeply concerned by the events in the Middle East over the weekend and I bear no warmth towards the Iranian regime,” Swinney said. “I think it is an oppressive and a repugnant regime, but when I look at the events of the last few days, it becomes evermore clear to me that the United States and Israeli action, the original action, is not compatible with the international rules-based system.”
He warned that the UK is being “dragged into this conflict” as a consequence, highlighting the rapid escalation. The First Minister urged all parties to return to diplomacy, questioning whether there is a clear plan for ending hostilities. “I don’t know what the gameplan is – I’m not altogether sure anybody knows what the gameplan is in relation to this,” he said.
Swinney backed Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s initial decision to deny the US access to UK bases for strikes, a position later reversed under pressure. “I think the Prime Minister was right to have nothing to do with this intervention,” he said, adding that the UK now faces significant threats as the conflict escalates.
On the number of Scots potentially affected, Swinney said it is unclear but noted that over 100,000 people have registered with the UK Government as being in the region. “They are now caught up in an incredibly difficult and dangerous situation,” he said, calling for de-escalation and negotiations.
