UK, Oman Urge Restraint After U.S.-Iran Talks Stall

London — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq on Sunday called for the United States and Iran to avoid further escalation following stalled peace talks in Islamabad, urging both sides to sustain a ceasefire and continue diplomatic efforts.

In a readout issued by Downing Street, a spokesperson said the two leaders discussed the failed negotiations held in Pakistan over the weekend and agreed it was “vital” to maintain the ceasefire while seeking a path forward through dialogue.

Starmer, who recently returned from meetings in the Middle East, also said international partners were working to restore safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy transit route, and reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to Oman’s security.

UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting described the breakdown in talks as “disappointing,” while emphasizing that continued engagement remained necessary to achieve a sustainable end to the conflict.

Speaking to Sky News, he said diplomacy often requires persistence, adding that lack of immediate success did not diminish the value of ongoing negotiations.

Streeting also criticized comments made earlier by U.S. President Donald Trump during the crisis, calling them “extraordinary,” particularly remarks he said appeared to threaten Iranian civilization.

Separately, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong called for the continuation of the Middle East ceasefire and a return to negotiations, stating that the outcome of the Islamabad talks was disappointing but underscoring the need for further diplomatic efforts.

The statements come after high-level U.S.-Iran talks ended without agreement, prolonging uncertainty over a conflict that has disrupted regional stability and global energy markets.