LONDON: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has warned that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could persist for an extended period, urging authorities to plan accordingly.
According to British media, Keir Starmer made the remarks during a parliamentary committee meeting, stating that it would be unrealistic to rely on hopes of a quick resolution to the war.
He said the government’s focus remains on mitigating the energy crisis triggered by the conflict, adding that from the outset he had instructed his team not to assume the situation would be short-lived.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the UK prime minister welcomed any potential diplomatic progress between the United States and Iran, calling positive engagement between the two sides a constructive development.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump claimed that “productive” discussions were taking place between Washington and Tehran and announced a five-day delay in potential strikes on Iranian power plants.
However, Iran has rejected these claims, stating that no negotiations are currently underway at any level.