John Swinney: US and Israel actions on Iran ‘do not suggest’ adherence to international rules-based system

The events in the Middle East over the last few days “do not suggest” that the United States and Israel have abided by the international rules-based system, John Swinney has said.   

In a statement, the first minister said he is “deeply concerned” at the escalation of the conflict in the region, following “pre-emptive” strikes carried out by the US and Israel on Iran on Saturday morning.   

Swinney said: “I am deeply concerned at the escalation of the conflict in the aftermath of the United States and Israel’s strikes on Iran.   

“At what is a profoundly dangerous and uncertain moment for the region and the wider world, it is essential that all nations abide by the international rules-based system. The events of the last few days do not suggest to me that the United States and Israel have done this.”  

Since the initial strikes by the US and Israel, which killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran has launched a series of attacks on US allies across the Middle East. It was also reported that a drone hit RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus on Sunday evening, resulting in no casualties and “minimal damage”, while a further two were intercepted on the way to the airbase on Monday.   

The first minister warned that the decision by Prime Minister Keir Starmer to allow the US to use UK military bases in its operations “creates further risks and dangers”.   

Swinney said: “It is a matter of real concern that the UK has now been drawn into this conflict and the prime minister needs to set out clearly how the risks we now face can be reduced.  

“It is unclear what the exit strategy is for this military action or that there has been appropriate planning to ensure stability in the region.”  

He also commented on the “dangerous consequences” of the strikes “felt by civilians, including many Scottish nationals” in countries that have been targeted by Iran, which “underline the need to bring this conflict to a peaceful resolution”.  

It is believed that around 300,000 UK citizens are currently in countries being targeted by the Tehran government, and over 100,000 have registered their presence with the Foreign Office.  

“Swinney added: “We will continue to engage with the UK Government on the support that can be provided to those in the region.  

“There can be no doubt that the Iranian government is a brutal, repressive and undemocratic regime which must never have access to nuclear weapons. But the main victims of that regime have been the people of Iran, who are suffering terribly.  

“The Iranian people must have democratic rights and should have the opportunity to decide their own future. But history shows us that this is rarely if ever achieved by external intervention – indeed this type of military intervention can often be wholly counterproductive.  

“There must be a diplomatic solution to bring this violence to an end. The international community must now come together to ensure de-escalation, an end to hostilities, and a return to negotiations. Peace must prevail.”