https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/israel-iran-conflict-06-19-25-intl-hnk#cmc446m6d00003b6oss719b3l
4 min ago
Britain’s Foreign Secretary says diplomatic window now exists, ahead of nuclear talks
By CNN’s Laura Sharman
Britain’s Foreign Secretary David Lammy says a “window now exists” to end the escalating crisis in the Middle East, as he heads to Geneva for key nuclear talks between Iran’s foreign minister and counterparts from the UK and Europe.
“Now is the time to put a stop to the grave scenes in the Middle East and prevent a regional escalation that would benefit no one,” Lammy said in a statement Thursday night.
“A window now exists within the next two weeks to achieve a diplomatic solution,” Lammy added, in reference to US President Donald Trump’s announcement that he would allow two weeks for diplomacy before deciding on whether to launch a US strike on Iran.
Foreign ministers from France and Germany, as well as the European Union’s high representative Kaja Kallas, will all attend the Geneva meeting on Friday with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, as they press for a diplomatic solution over Tehran’s nuclear program.
The trip to Switzerland follows Lammy’s visit to Washington Thursday, where he discussed with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and White House Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff “how a deal could avoid a deepening conflict,” the statement said.
“The situation in the Middle East remains perilous. We are determined that Iran must never have a nuclear weapon,” said Lammy.
A White House official on Thursday kept the door open to progress in the Geneva talks. “This is a meeting between European leaders and Iran. The President supports diplomatic efforts from our allies that could bring Iran closer to taking his deal,” the White House official said.
CNN’s Kylie Atwood contributed reporting.
