Starmer issues Iran four-word war warning after defending Israel's Tehran bombing raid

Speaking at the Commonwealth Heads of Government summit in Samoa, the Prime Minister reaffirmed that the Government believes Israel has the right to defend itself.

Starmer said: "I am clear that Israel has the right to defend itself against Iranian aggression.

"I'm equally clear that we need to avoid further regional escalation and urge all sides to show restraint."

In a four-word war warning to Tehran, the Prime Minister added: "Iran should not respond."

Starmer's remarks in Samoa came shortly after US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin reaffirmed Washington's "ironclad" commitment to defend Israel from “threats from Iran and Iran-based terrorist organisations”.

The Prime Minister's warning to Iran also came just a few weeks after Starmer "completely condemned" Tehran's attack on Israel.

In a televised Downing Street address, the Prime Minister said: "I utterly condemn this attempt by the Iranian regime to harm innocent Israelis, to escalate this incredibly dangerous situation and push the region ever closer to the brink.

"We stand with Israel and we recognise her right to self-defence in the face of this aggression."

Starmer has been given the difficult task of trying to steer a divided Labour Party around the controversial matter of Israel's conflict with Hamas.

• Keir Starmer is doing WORSE than every PM before him as new poll delivers another blow
• POLL OF THE DAY: ‘Can Keir Starmer’s Government really smash the gangs?’
• SHOCK data shows how Farage threat to Labour seats pushed 'snobbish' Starmer to u-turn on hated smoking ban

The Prime Minister is pushing for a ceasefire in Gaza and the immediate release of Israeli hostages snatched by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023.

During an appearance at the United Nations General Assembly last month, Starmer added: "I call on Israel and Hezbollah: Stop the violence, step back from the brink."

The 62-year-old urged the UN to "work together for peace, progress and equality", later stressing the need to "prevent" a regional conflict in the Middle East.

Starmer was returning from a Commonwealth summit in Samoa when Israel launched its late-night raid on Tehran at 3am (12.30am BST).

Explosions were heard both in Iran and near Syria's capital Damascus.

The IDF confirmed its attack against Tehran was finished around three-hours later.

In a statement, the IDF said: "A short while ago, the IDF completed precise and targeted strikes against military targets in a number of areas in Iran.

"Our planes have safely returned home. The strike was conducted in response to the attacks by the Iranian regime against the State of Israel and its citizens in recent months.

"The retaliatory strike has been completed and the mission was fulfilled."