Iran's threat of escalation risks regional war, UK and France warn

The British and French foreign ministers have warned about the mounting danger of a full-scale regional conflict due to Iran's escalatory rhetoric, calling on all parties to show restraint.

In a joint op-ed published in the Guardian on Saturday, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné stress that Iran's threats of escalation could trigger a wider and more destructive war in the Middle East.

“Iranian threats of further escalation mean the risks of a full-scale regional war are rising,” the ministers cautioned. They described the current situation as a “destructive cycle of violence,” with the potential for a single miscalculation to ignite a deeper and more unmanageable conflict.

Since the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31, Iran has been threatening retaliation against Israel. However, recent media reports suggest that internal divisions within Iran are causing hesitation regarding further escalation. Additionally, it appears that pressure from the Biden administration may be influencing Iran to reconsider its stance.

The European ministers underscored the implications any Iranian aggression could have, potentially undermining ceasefire negotiations related to Gaza. They emphasized that “it’s never too late for peace” and warned that an all-out regional conflict would serve no one's interests. "All parties must exercise restraint and focus on diplomatic solutions," they argued.

The situation in Gaza remains critical, with the ongoing war leading to civilian casualties. Hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7 attack are still held captive, including several French and British nationals. Meanwhile, the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has intensified, further complicating the regional stability.

In response to these threats, the foreign ministers visited Israel in a joint diplomatic mission, marking the first time in over a decade that British and French top diplomats traveled together to the region. Their visit to Israel underscores a renewed commitment to collaborative action aimed at enhancing regional and European security.

As permanent members of the UN Security Council, the UK and France called for engagement with US-led diplomatic discussions, emphasizing the importance of adhering to UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

The ministers also acknowledged the role of American, Egyptian, and Qatari mediators in facilitating ongoing negotiations. They stressed that only “a deal can restore communities’ sense of security. Only a deal can open up the space for progress towards a two-state solution – the only long-term route to safety, security and dignity for Israelis and Palestinians alike.”

“There can be no delays or excuses,” the foreign ministers declared. “We must all come together and reconnect in the interests of peace.”