British Foreign Minister David Lammy said he had spoken with representatives from Israel and Iran in separate telephone conversations on Sunday (27/10). He did this to prevent escalation in the Middle East into a large-scale regional war after the previous day Israel attacked an Iranian military site.
“Today I held important talks with the Israeli Foreign Minister (Israel Katz) and the Iranian Foreign Minister (Abbas Araghchi). “The UK continues to urge de-escalation and an end to the conflict in Lebanon and Gaza,” Lammy said in a statement. “A regional war would be a major disaster and would be in no one’s interest,” he continued.
On Saturday, Israel launched airstrikes against military sites in Iran in response to Tehran’s October 1 attack, which was in retaliation for the killing of Iran-backed militant leaders and a Revolutionary Guard commander.
The attack started at around 02.30 local time (06.00 WIB) on Saturday. It targeted military facilities in the border provinces of Ilam and Khuzestan as well as areas around the capital Tehran.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said necessary steps had been taken when the attack occurred. He has been in contact with military officials and relayed messages with different parties he did not name.
Araghci emphasized in his remarks that the Islamic republic has the right to respond. United States (US) news site Axios on Saturday said Israel had sent a message to Iran before its attack and warned it against responding.
Axios, citing anonymous sources, said the message was an attempt to limit the ongoing exchange of attacks between Israel and Iran and prevent a wider escalation.
Earlier on Sunday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran did not intend to go to war but that it would defend the rights of its nation and state. Pezeshkian added that Iran will provide an appropriate response to the Zionist regime’s aggression.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Sunday in his first reaction following Israeli airstrikes on Iranian military sites said Iran must make Israel understand the strength, capabilities, ingenuity and will of the Iranian nation.
Khamenei emphasized that Israel made a mistake by attacking Iran. They exaggerated the impact of the attack.
On the other hand, Palestine will continue to strive to become a full member of the UN despite opposition from the United States. Aide to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Mahmoud al-Habbash said Palestine would also seek recognition of its statehood from a number of European countries.
“Palestine will and will continue to seek full membership in the UN as a country, despite various obstacles created by the US,” said Al-Habbash, quoted from OANA-Sputnik.
Previously on May 10 2024, the UN adopted a resolution granting special privileges to Palestine as an observer state. The UN Security Council was also asked to reconsider Palestine’s membership application.
The resolution was supported by 143 countries, while nine countries opposed it and 25 countries abstained. (TRTWorld/Fer/Ant/P-3)
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**Interview with David Lammy, British Foreign Minister**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Minister Lammy. Given the recent escalation between Israel and Iran, can you elaborate on the key points you discussed with both foreign ministers during your recent phone calls?
**David Lammy:** Thank you for having me. In my discussions with Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, I emphasized the urgent need for de-escalation. This conflict could spiral into a wider regional war, which would have catastrophic consequences for all involved. Both parties need to prioritize dialogue over military action.
**Interviewer:** During your talks, were both sides receptive to the idea of de-escalation, particularly in light of the recent airstrikes by Israel on Iranian military sites?
**David Lammy:** There was a recognition of the gravity of the situation. While tensions are undoubtedly high, I believe both Iran and Israel understand the stakes involved. Our role is to facilitate communication and promote restraint. I urged them to consider the potential fallout of continued aggression.
**Interviewer:** Iran has claimed the right to respond to Israeli actions, and their leaders are publicly stating their intentions. How does the UK plan to influence this dynamic?
**David Lammy:** We respect Iran’s sovereignty and its right to defend itself; however, we advocate for measured responses. The UK is calling for both sides to refrain from retaliatory actions that could ignite further conflict. Our goal is to encourage diplomatic channels to remain open, not just in this instance, but as a consistent approach towards resolving disputes.
**Interviewer:** With the situation rapidly evolving, what steps is the UK prepared to take to prevent further escalation in the region?
**David Lammy:** We are actively engaging with our allies and pursuing a robust diplomatic initiative. There is a consensus among the international community that a regional war would not be in anyone’s interest. We will continue our engagement with both Iran and Israel, pushing for dialogue and a cease-fire to protect civilian lives and restore stability.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Minister Lammy. It seems critical times lie ahead and we hope for a peaceful resolution.
**David Lammy:** Thank you for having me, and I share your hope for peace and stability in the region.