KEIR Starmer has been accused of “gaslighting” over the US bombing of Iran after claiming the country’s nuclear programme was a “grave threat to international security”.
The Prime Minister posted on social media following news of the attack, with his comments gathering 1.7 million views and thousands of furious comments.
Starmer said the US bombing was taken to “alleviate” the threat of Iran developing a nuclear weapon.
“The situation in the Middle East remains volatile and stability in the region is a priority,” he wrote.
“We call on Iran to return to the negotiating table and reach a diplomatic solution to end this crisis.”
Starmer’s comments prompted a furious response from politicians and social media users.
Former first minister Humza Yousaf said: “An awful statement from the PM, which ignores our collective responsibility to uphold international law.
“Supporting illegal military action in Iran, and gas-lighting us about an imminent nuclear threat, is hauntingly reminiscent of the lies told in the run up to the Iraq war.”
“Israel expanding its war, by attacking Iran when negotiations were imminent, was an outrage. The US is now escalating the conflict.
“Instead of being a voice for de-escalation, the UK is siding with the aggressors.”
Green party deputy leader Zack Polanski said: “I don't think anyone expected him to say anything better.
“But he'd probably have been better maintaining his usual silence.
“Iran were negotiating - when Israel launched a war on them. The US joined in - and now our Prime Minister basically says ‘well they were asking for it’.”
SDLP MP Colum Eastwood said simply: “Utterly pathetic.”
Social media users also criticised the PM's comments.
One wrote: “I have never despised a prime minister more. You’ve drenched every British citizen in blood. The vast majority reject your support for Israel, its genocide, and its constant violations of international law. Shame on you.”
Another added: “Are you dumb? Iran was bombed whilst at the negotiating table. Stop gaslighting your electorate and start telling the truth.”
Elsewhere, First Minister John Swinney called for a “diplomatic solution”.
It comes after Cabinet minister Jonathan Reynolds would not say the UK supported the military action nor whether he believed the US strikes were legal.
Asked on the BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg if the US action was a good thing, he said: “The outcome. It isn’t the means by which anyone in the British Government would have wanted to see this occur.”
Pushed on whether the US strike was legal, he said: “It is where we are today.”
The US attacked Fordo, Isfahan and Natanz which are linked to Iran’s nuclear programme.
The Tehran regime has insisted its nuclear programme is peaceful but its uranium enrichment process has gone far beyond what is required for power stations.
In an address to the nation from the White House, Donald Trump warned there could be further strikes if Iran retaliates: “There will either be peace or there will be tragedy for Iran.”
