British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Tuesday that a negotiated settlement with Iran represents the best long-term approach to addressing the escalating Middle East crisis, as he acknowledged the conflict could continue "for some time."

Speaking as tensions remain high in the region, Starmer said the United Kingdom was doing "everything we can" to de-escalate the situation. His comments highlighted a contrast with the US position, where President Biden has focused on regime change and declared it "too late" for Tehran to negotiate.

The Prime Minister defended Britain's decision not to participate in initial US-Israeli strikes against Iranian targets. Starmer's approach emphasizes diplomatic solutions over military action as the preferred method for resolving the crisis.

Starmer acknowledged public concerns about the deepening crisis, noting that people are worried about family members abroad, potential economic impacts, and the possibility of further escalation in the region. The Prime Minister sought to reassure the public as the situation continues to develop.

The comments come as the Middle East faces one of its most significant periods of tension in recent years, with multiple actors involved in an increasingly complex regional conflict that shows few signs of immediate resolution.