US-Iran talks ending without deal disappointing, Streeting says
US-Iran talks ending without deal disappointing, Streeting says
Wes Streeting, the UK’s Health Secretary, expressed disappointment as initial negotiations between the US and Iran collapsed without a resolution. The talks, held in Pakistan, ended in failure early Sunday, leaving the two nations unable to reach a consensus on ending the conflict. Despite the breakdown, Streeting emphasized the importance of diplomacy, noting that the mere act of the parties sitting together was a significant achievement.
The UK, which has not participated in the negotiations, aims to secure a peace agreement that would curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Streeting defended Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s decision to keep the UK out of the war, calling it a “right choice.” The two-week ceasefire between Iran and the US now appears vulnerable, with tensions rising over unresolved differences.
US Vice-President JD Vance, who led the talks in Pakistan, cited Iran’s reluctance to commit to a nuclear weapons deal as the primary obstacle. During the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme, Streeting stated: “It’s obviously disappointing that the talks have broken down for now. But the optimist in me says two things; first, the mere fact that the Americans and the Iranians were able to get around the table together is highly unusual and necessary. It’s the only way we’re going to end this war. Secondly, the nature of diplomacy is that every day ends in failure until you achieve success. So I don’t think we should be too surprised or disheartened.”
“President Trump’s threat last week that ‘a whole civilisation will die tonight’ unless Iran agreed a deal to end the war was ‘outrageous’ and ‘extraordinary,’” Streeting remarked to Sky News. “However, it’s better to judge Trump on his actions, not his words.”
Differences over the Iran conflict and broader international matters have tested the UK-US alliance. Earlier this week, Sir Keir Starmer criticized leaders like Putin and Trump for causing economic instability by raising national bills. Streeting clarified that Sir Keir would not make impulsive remarks on global issues, stressing the need for careful deliberation.
Starmer has engaged with Trump to address the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for oil and gas. The UK plans to host further discussions this week with a coalition of nations to reopen the vital waterway. These efforts mark a continuation of the government’s strategy to ensure free movement of ships through the region.
