US-Iran talks ending without deal disappointing, Streeting says

US-Iran talks ending without deal disappointing, Streeting says

Wes Streeting, the UK’s Health Secretary, expressed disappointment that early discussions aimed at resolving the Iran conflict in the US ended without a formal agreement. The negotiations, held in Pakistan, collapsed in the early hours of Sunday, leaving no deal to end the war. Streeting emphasized the UK’s stance on seeking a negotiated resolution that would address Iran’s nuclear aspirations.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s decision to keep the UK out of the US-Israeli military strikes on Iran was defended by Streeting, who called it “the right choice.” The two-week ceasefire between Iran and the US now seems uncertain, with no agreement reached to end hostilities. US Vice-President JD Vance, who attended the talks, attributed the failure to Iran’s refusal to commit to not developing a nuclear weapon.

“It’s obviously disappointing that the talks have broken down for now,” Streeting said during the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme. “But the optimist in me says two things; firstly, the mere fact that the Americans and the Iranians were able to get around the table together is highly unusual and necessary. It’s the only way we’re going to end this war. Secondly, the nature of diplomacy is that every day ends in failure until you achieve success. So I don’t think we should be too surprised or disheartened.”

Streeting also criticized President Trump’s recent threat that “a whole civilisation will die tonight” unless Iran agreed to a deal, calling it “outrageous” and “extraordinary.” However, he argued that Trump’s actions, not just his words, should be the focus of evaluation. “If there’s one thing we’ve learned about President Trump, particularly in this term, it also applies to his first term—you have to draw a distinction between what he says and how he says it, especially on social media, and what he does,” the minister added.

Tensions over the Iran war and other global issues have tested the UK-US relationship. Earlier this week, Sir Keir remarked on being “fed up with the fact that families across the country see their bills go up and down… because of the actions of Putin or Trump.” Streeting clarified that Sir Keir would not “shoot from the hip” in his remarks about international affairs. The Prime Minister has engaged with Trump to discuss a plan for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively closed during the conflict.

This week, the UK will host additional meetings to restore shipping through the critical waterway, working alongside a coalition of nations. The discussions aim to revive freedom of navigation in the strait, essential for transporting oil and gas globally.