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 the initial efforts to conclude the Iran conflict had ended without a formal agreement. The talks, held in Pakistan, collapsed in the early hours of Sunday, leaving no deal between the US and Iran. Streeting emphasized that the UK, not directly involved in the negotiations, remains committed to achieving a diplomatic resolution that would address Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Despite the breakdown, the cabinet minister highlighted the importance of the dialogue, stating that the mere act of bringing the two nations to the table was “highly unusual and necessary.” He noted that this is the only path to ending the war, adding that diplomatic processes often involve setbacks before success is achieved. “I don’t think we should be too surprised or disheartened,” he remarked.
“It’s obviously disappointing that the talks have broken down for now,” Streeting said on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme. “But the optimist in me says two things: first, the Americans and Iranians were able to meet, which is rare and essential. Second, every day ends in failure until you reach success.”
The two-week ceasefire between Iran and the US now appears tenuous. US Vice-President JD Vance, who participated in the talks, attributed the failure to Iran’s reluctance to commit to abandoning nuclear weapon development. Streeting, meanwhile, called President Trump’s recent threat—”a whole civilisation will die tonight” if Iran didn’t agree to a deal—as “outrageous” and “extraordinary.”
Streeting urged focusing on Trump’s actions rather than his rhetoric, especially on social media. “You have to draw a distinction between what he says and how he says it,” he explained, noting that Trump’s behavior has been consistent across terms. Tensions between the UK and US have been exacerbated by disagreements over the war and broader international matters.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has also faced criticism for his stance on global issues, including the rising costs for families due to policies by leaders like Putin or Trump. Streeting defended Sir Keir’s measured approach, stating he would not “shoot from the hip” in international affairs. The prime minister recently discussed with Trump the need for a strategy to ensure safe passage for ships through the Strait of Hormuz, which has been disrupted by Iran.
This week, the UK will host additional discussions aimed at reopening the critical shipping route. These talks, involving a coalition of nations, will continue the government’s efforts to secure freedom of navigation in the strait, vital for oil and gas transportation.
