Rachel Reeves has described Donald Trump's war on Iran as a "mistake", saying it has destabilised the global economy and damaged living standards. The UK chancellor made the remarks at an event in Washington, adding to earlier criticism of the US president.
She said ending diplomatic talks with Iran and launching airstrikes had not made the world safer. "I think it was a mistake to end those [talks] and to enter into conflict, because I'm not convinced that we are safer today than we were a few weeks ago," Reeves told the CNBC Invest in America conference.
Reeves called for the urgent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to calm global energy prices. She noted the waterway was open before the conflict, questioning the lack of clear US objectives in negotiations with Iran.
The chancellor said conflict was not the best way to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, arguing diplomacy was preferable. "There was a diplomatic channel open. The discussions, formal discussions, were happening," she said.
Reeves stressed that de-escalation was a key priority for the UK's national interest, as businesses and families were feeling the impact. The IMF has warned that further escalation could trigger a global recession affecting the UK more than other G7 nations.
