Keir Starmer has signaled support for Donald Trump’s aggressive approach towards Iran, emphasizing the critical importance of preventing the Iranian leadership from developing nuclear weapons. During a visit to China, Starmer stated that allies needed to confront the nuclear issue and address the deadly repression of anti-government protests within Iran. While guarded in his comments and refraining from directly addressing hypothetical US military strikes, his words were interpreted by some as a tacit endorsement of Trump’s firm stance on Tehran. Starmer reiterated in broadcast interviews from Shanghai that the primary goal is to ensure Iran cannot develop nuclear weapons, adding that the repression and killing of protesters is “grotesque” and a key focus for international allies.

Donald Trump has significantly escalated threats against Iran, warning the country to abandon its nuclear program and cease killing protesters, or face the consequences of a substantial US military presence deployed in the Middle East. A large US armada of warships, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, has been dispatched to the region, with Trump asserting that the military force is “prepared to rapidly fulfil its missions with speed and violence if necessary.” The US President has hinted at potential future attacks if negotiations on Iran's nuclear program do not materialize, following previous strikes on three Iranian nuclear-linked sites in June last year. Trump has urged Iran to “Come to the Table” to negotiate a “fair and equitable deal – NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS – one that is good for all parties,” stressing that “Time is running out.”

Within Iran, authorities have responded to widespread anti-government protests with a brutal crackdown, resulting in thousands of deaths and injuries. Estimates of casualties are challenging due to ongoing internet and communications shutdowns across the country. According to the US-based organization Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRANA), 6,126 confirmed deaths have occurred, with 5,777 being protesters.

In response to Iran’s actions, the European Union listed Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. This move has spurred renewed calls for the United Kingdom to adopt similar measures. Yvette Cooper, identified in one account as the British foreign secretary and in another as the then-home secretary, had previously promised to draft legislation enabling the proscription of state organizations like the IRGC without relying on existing terror laws. Government sources have indicated that these proposed laws would be introduced as soon as parliamentary time allows. Downing Street, however, refused to comment on specific proscription matters, maintaining it is a long-standing position of successive governments, but confirmed the UK is prepared to impose further sanctions if the crackdown persists and continues to work with international partners to address threats posed by Iran.

Priti Patel, described as the shadow foreign secretary, has strongly criticized the “brutality of the Tehran regime,” highlighting the thousands slaughtered, injured, and tortured, alongside ongoing show trials and Iran’s sponsorship of terrorism. She condemned the “Labour Government’s silence on the IRGC” and urged Britain to “stand up for the Iranian people and confront this vile regime with strength and resolve.”