WNAM MONITORING: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman spoke Sunday about the failed peace talks between the US and Iran and said further escalation should be avoided, a spokesperson said.
“They discussed the peace talks held in Pakistan over the weekend and urged both sides to find a way through,” Sophie Clare said in a readout of the call from London. “It was vital there was a continuation of the ceasefire, and that all parties avoided any further escalation, the leaders agreed.”
Starmer, who just returned from the Middle East during meetings with allies, said international partners are continuing to work toward restoring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
He also pledged the UK’s commitment to protecting Oman.
EU urges diplomacy
Diplomacy is “essential” to resolve the war in the Middle East, a European Union spokesman said.
Noting failed US-Iranian talks hosted by Pakistan, EU foreign affairs spokesman Anouar El Anouni said “we salute Pakistan for its mediation efforts” and added Brussels would contribute to further efforts to reach a settlement in coordination with its partners.
Putin offers mediation
Russian President Vladimir Putin told his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian that he was ready to help mediate efforts to achieve peace in the Middle East, the Kremlin said.
“Vladimir Putin emphasized his readiness to further facilitate the search for a political and diplomatic settlement to the conflict, and to mediate efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in the Middle East,” the Kremlin said in its readout of the call.
UK government minister Wes Streeting on Sunday said it was “disappointing” that negotiations between the United States and Iran in Islamabad had stalled, adding that US President Donald Trump’s earlier social media comments had been “extraordinary.”
“It’s obviously disappointing that we haven’t yet seen a breakthrough in negotiations and an end to this war in Iran that is a sustainable one,” Streeting told Sky News.
“As ever in diplomacy, you’re failing, until you succeed. So while these talks may not have ended in success, (it) doesn’t mean there isn’t merit in continuing to try,” the health minister added.
Streeting also criticized Trump’s rhetoric during the crisis.
“I don’t think it’s controversial to say posting on social media a threat to end the Iranian civilization, really … (is) quite extraordinary.”
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong meanwhile urged a continuation of the Middle East ceasefire after US-Iran talks ended with no deal.
“The priority now must be to continue the ceasefire and return to negotiations,” Wong said in a statement, adding it was “disappointing that the Islamabad talks between the United States and Iran have ended without agreement.”
