John Swinney: War in Iran a threat to us all

First Minister John Swinney has called on the UK Government to push for a de-escalation of the war in Iran, saying the conflict is a “threat to us all”.

Over the weekend, the United States joined Israel's war with Iran, attacking what it said were three nuclear sites across the north of the country.

President Donald Trump said the strikes had caused “monumental damage”. “Obliteration is an accurate term,” he wrote on Truth Social.

But UN Secretary-General António Guterres said he was “gravely alarmed” by the bombing raids, calling them a “dangerous escalation” of the conflict in the Middle East. 

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Iran's nuclear programme was a “threat to international security”. 

“Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and the U.S. has taken action to alleviate that threat,” he said. “The situation in the Middle East remains volatile and stability in the region is a priority. We call on Iran to return to the negotiating table and reach a diplomatic solution to end this crisis.”

That sentiment was echoed by First Minister John Swinney who said the US intervention in Iran risked “spiralling into disaster for the region and the wider world”.

He added: “The world finds itself at a profoundly dangerous moment and must pull itself back from the brink.

“It is vital that the UK Government takes any and all steps it can through diplomatic channels to insist upon that. We also call on Iran to return to negotiations.

“And while the danger is clearly greatest for those in the region, make no mistake that this situation is a threat to us all. The consequences for international peace and security could be severe and it is vital that all nations work through the United Nations to de-escalate this conflict and bring about peace.”

Swinney's predecessor, Humza Yousaf, was more outspoken. Writing on X (Twitter), Humza Yousaf described the PM's statement as “awful”.

“Suporting 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,” Yousaf said.