First Minister John Swinney has issued a statement following United States and Israel strikes on Iran, urging diplomacy and restraint amid rising international tension.
He said:
“The Iranian government is an undemocratic, repressive regime and there must be a diplomatic solution to ensure they do not become a nuclear power.
“Recent history shows us that all nations must abide by the international rules-based system and it is for the United States and Israel to now demonstrate how this intervention is compatible with that position.
“The international community should now work together and at pace on a solution which focuses on de-escalation, ensures there is no additional loss of life and which provides a diplomatic route to ending the nuclear ambitions of the Iranian regime.”
The Scottish Greens also responded.
External affairs spokesperson Patrick Harvie MSP said:
“These strikes are extremely alarming and require a robust international response.
“It is part of a pattern of reckless and destructive behaviour from a White House that has shown total contempt for human rights, international law and negotiations.
“Mediated talks were due to continue, but Trump clearly prefers violence.
“From arming Israel’s genocide against Palestinians to his illegal and immoral coup in Venezuela and his threats against Europe, Trump has acted like a gangster on the world stage.
“The UK Government has been complicit in his rogue actions, or at least willing to look the other way.
“But even Keir Starmer and his colleagues must see the huge danger that comes from ever-greater escalation.
“Donald Trump is not someone who cares about the rights of Iranians or the brutal character of the regime.
“He has been a consistent friend of autocrats and dictators.
“The reprehensible record of the Iranian regime does not justify a war of aggression launched by the US and Israel.
“We can not stand by and allow yet another devastating regional conflict to unfold.
“Our hopes are for the safety of the Iranian people, who now have to fear both their own government’s violence and that coming from Trump and Netanyahu.
“With reported strikes on other countries from Iran, there is a very real risk of conflict spreading.
“It is always civilians who pay the price and who will again if this situation escalates further.”
The statements reflect sharply differing political tones but a shared concern over escalation and the risk of wider conflict.
