US-Iran talks ending without deal disappointing, Streeting says

US-Iran talks ending without deal disappointing, Streeting says

UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting called the collapse of early U.S.-Iran negotiations to end the conflict “disappointing,” while emphasizing the country’s decision to remain neutral. Talks in Pakistan, which concluded Sunday without a breakthrough, focused on resolving the war but failed to produce a binding agreement. Streeting highlighted the importance of a negotiated settlement that would address Iran’s nuclear ambitions, stating the UK aimed to “put Iran’s nuclear ambitions to bed” through diplomacy.

The two-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran now appears tenuous after no deal was reached. U.S. Vice President JD Vance, present during the discussions, attributed the breakdown to Iran’s unwillingness to commit to abandoning its nuclear program. On the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Streeting acknowledged the setback but noted its significance: “It’s obviously disappointing that the talks have broken down for now. But the optimist in me says two things… first, the mere fact that the Americans and Iranians could sit together is unusual and essential. It’s the only way we’ll end this war. Second, diplomacy often sees failures before success, so we shouldn’t be too surprised or disheartened.”

“It’s the only way we’re going to end this war.”

Streeting also criticized President Trump’s recent warning that “a whole civilisation will die tonight” unless Iran accepted a deal. While calling the remark “outrageous,” he argued that Trump’s words should be evaluated alongside his actions. “We’ve learned that with Trump, especially in this term, you must separate his rhetoric from his deeds,” the minister explained.

Tensions over the Iran conflict have tested UK-U.S. relations. Earlier this week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer lamented the impact of global leaders’ decisions on domestic costs, mentioning both Putin and Trump. Streeting defended Starmer’s measured approach, saying the leader would not “shoot from the hip” on international matters. Starmer has already engaged with Trump to discuss reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway blocked by Iran during the war. The UK will host additional talks this week with allies to restore shipping lanes essential for oil and gas transport.