US-Iran talks ending without deal disappointing, Streeting says
US-Iran talks ending without deal disappointing, Streeting says
Health Secretary Wes Streeting expressed disappointment as initial discussions to end the Iran war collapsed without a resolution, while emphasizing the UK’s decision to avoid direct involvement. The US and Iran held negotiations in Pakistan, which ended in failure early Sunday. Streeting noted that the UK, not part of the talks, sought a diplomatic solution to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions. He supported Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s stance of not committing the nation to US-Israeli military actions against Iran.
The two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran now appears precarious after the talks failed to produce an agreement. US Vice-President JD Vance participated in the discussions, attributing the breakdown to Iran’s reluctance to abandon its nuclear program. On the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg show, Streeting remarked: “It’s obviously disappointing that the talks have broken down for now.” He added, “But the optimist in me says two things; firstly, 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.”
Streeting also criticized President Trump’s recent warning that “a whole civilisation will die tonight” unless Iran agreed to a deal. He suggested evaluating Trump’s actions rather than his rhetoric. “If there’s one thing we’ve learned about President Trump, particularly in this term, it also applies to his first term,” he said. “You have to draw a distinction between what he says and how he says it, especially on social media, and what he does.”
Tensions over the Iran conflict have strained UK-US relations, with Sir Keir Starmer recently criticizing the impact of global leaders’ decisions on domestic costs. Streeting clarified that Sir Keir would not act impulsively in addressing international matters. The Prime Minister had engaged with Trump to address the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for oil and gas. This week, the UK will host further talks with a coalition of nations to reopen the strait, continuing efforts to secure freedom of navigation.
Streeting underscored the importance of negotiated outcomes, stating the UK aimed to ensure Iran’s nuclear plans were addressed. Despite the talks’ failure, he viewed the dialogue as a necessary step toward resolving the conflict. The upcoming meeting reflects ongoing UK commitment to diplomatic solutions, even as the war’s future remains uncertain.
