LONDON, June 22 (Reuters) – British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that Iran should return to the negotiating table and that an escalation of the situation in the Middle East is in no-one’s interests in calls with the leaders of Jordan and Oman, his office said on Sunday.

A Downing Street spokesperson said Starmer “agreed on the grave threat posed by Iran’s nuclear programme and reiterated calls for them to return to the negotiating table” in a call with Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tarik al Said.

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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer looks on during his meeting with the Crown Prince of Bahrain, Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa (not in picture), ahead of bilateral talks at 10 Downing Street, London, Britain June 19, 2025. Jordan Pettitt/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights , opens new tab

“An escalation of the conflict is in no-one’s interests and the focus must be on de-escalation, they added,” according to the readout after strikes by the United States on Iran.

In a separate call with King Abdullah II of Jordan, Downing Street said “they called on Iran to return to the negotiating table in pursuit of a diplomatic solution.”

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