Johnson calls on for de-escalation in the Middle East

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson called on the parties to de-escalate the situation in the Middle East after the assassination of the Iranian general Kassem Soleimani, the Prime Minister said.

“We are in close contact with all parties and are calling for de-escalation. I will communicate with other leaders and our Iraqi friends to maintain peace and stability”, – Johnson said in a statement.

He added that British Foreign Minister Dominic Raab is in constant contact with the leaders and foreign ministers of countries around the world, and the United Kingdom has taken the necessary steps to strengthen the security of British citizens and interests in the Middle East region.

The government intends to inform about the next actions in connection with the situation in the Middle East next week, when the Parliament is back from the Christmas holidays.

On the night of January 3, the United States conducted an operation in the area of ​​Baghdad International Airport against Soleymani and the deputy head of the Iraqi Shiite militia, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, who in Washington are considered involved in organizing the attack on the US embassy in Baghdad on December 31, 2019.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has promised to avenge the United States for the death of Suleymani. The US President Donald Trump has promised to deliver a “quick and powerful blow” to 52 targets in Iran if the Americans are attacked.

The world community has called for the US and Iranian restraint.