Trump said nothing to suggest US is preparing strikes on Iran, insists Starmer
PM's comments came as the US president and his aides made unclear statements about possibility of US joining with Israel with airstrikes on Iran
Donald Trump said nothing that would indicate America is preparing direct missile strikes on Iran during his conversations at the G7 summit in Canada, Keir Starmer insisted on Tuesday.
But the Prime Minister’s remarks appeared to conflict with those of US Vice-President JD Vance who later said that Trump “may decide he needs to take further action” to end Iran’s nuclear programme.
On Tuesday afternoon Trump himself posted on social media, saying: “We now have complete and total control of the skies over Iran. ”
But the US president then appeared to play down speculation that the US was ready to join to Israel by making airstrikes by writing:”We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding.
“He is an easy target, but is safe there – We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now.
“But we don’t want missiles shot at civilians, or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
In a further statement Trump said he wanted Iran’s “unconditional surrender.”
Earlier Starmer had told journalists at the G7 summit in Kananaskis, Canada “there is nothing the president said that suggests he’s about to get involved in this conflict,” despite mounting speculation Trump could be preparing to intervene.
He said after sitting next to Trump at dinner on Monday that there was “no doubt in my mind” the president was serious about de-escalating the Israel-Iran conflict.
Starmer made the claim about Trump as he conducted a series of broadcast interviews with UK outlets.
Asked by ITV’s Robert Peston about his support for Israeli airstrikes on Iran, he added:”I’ve always been absolutely clear about Israel’s right to self-defence, but my focus has been and remains on the need to de-escalate the situation.”
He said he had spoken for two hours with the American president about the situation in Iran and in Gaza, and attempts to bring about a ceasefire.
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