US-Iran Talks Ending Without Deal Disappointing, Streeting Says
Wes Streeting, the UK’s Health Secretary, expressed disappointment that early discussions to conclude the Iran war in Pakistan ended without a pact, while defending the nation’s choice to remain neutral in the conflict. The negotiations, which spanned two weeks, collapsed in the early hours of Sunday, leaving both sides without a resolution. Streeting emphasized that the UK, not involved in the talks, aimed to secure a deal that would curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s decision to avoid committing the UK to US-Israeli military strikes on Iran was praised by Streeting as a “right choice.” The cabinet minister noted that the ceasefire between Iran and the US appears vulnerable, with the talks failing to solidify an end to hostilities. US Vice-President JD Vance, who participated in the discussions in Pakistan, attributed the breakdown to Iran’s refusal to pledge against developing nuclear weapons.
“It’s obviously disappointing that the talks have broken down for now,” Streeting remarked on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme. “But the optimist in me says two things: first, the mere fact that Americans and Iranians sat together is unusual and necessary. Second, diplomacy often ends in failure until success is achieved. So I don’t think we should be too surprised or disheartened.”
Streeting also criticized President Trump’s recent threat, warning that “a whole civilisation will die tonight” unless Iran agreed to a deal, calling it “outrageous” and “extraordinary.” However, he added that Trump’s actions should be the focus, highlighting the gap between his public statements and actual decisions. “You have to draw a distinction between what he says and how he says it, particularly on social media, and what he does,” he stated.
Tensions over the Iran war and other global matters have tested the UK-US relationship. Earlier this week, Sir Keir commented on rising domestic costs, saying families “see their bills go up and down… because of the actions of Putin or Trump.” Streeting defended the Prime Minister’s measured approach, stating he would not “shoot from the hip” in international affairs.
Meanwhile, the UK will host additional meetings to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for oil and gas. These talks, involving a coalition of nations, aim to restore freedom of navigation, a priority for the government. Sir Keir has previously discussed the need for a strategy to secure the strait, which has been blocked by Iran during the conflict.
