UK’s Starmer speaks to Iranian president about Middle East tensions

LONDON: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday as part of de-escalation efforts to ease tensions in the Middle East, the premier’s office said.
Pictures shared online by 10 Downing Street showed Starmer on the phone with a caption saying he was talking to Pezeshkian.
According to Sky News, which first reported the story, Starmer held a 30-minute phone call with Pezeshkian after speaking with US President Joe Biden and other European allies. 
US President Joe Biden spoke on Monday to the leaders of France, Germany, Italy and the UK to discuss de-escalating tensions in the Middle East and a ceasefire in Gaza, the White House said.
In a joint statement released by the White House on Monday, the leaders of all five countries said they endorsed a call from the United States, Qatar and Egypt for a renewal of talks for a Gaza ceasefire to conclude a deal as soon as possible.
President Joe Biden laid out a three-phase ceasefire proposal in an address on May 31. Washington and regional mediators have since tried arranging the Gaza ceasefire-for-hostages deal but have run into repeated obstacles.
Egypt, the United States and Qatar have scheduled a new round of ceasefire negotiations for Thursday.
Monday’s joint statement stressed “there is no further time to lose.” It also expressed support for Israel against any Iranian threat while urging distribution and delivery of aid to Gaza.
There has been an increased risk of a broader Middle East war after the recent killings of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran and Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut drew threats of retaliation against Israel.
“We called on Iran to stand down its ongoing threats of a military attack against Israel and discussed the serious consequences for regional security should such an attack take place,” the joint statement from the US and its European allies added on Monday.