Sir Keir Starmer has spoken with the Iranian president as part of international efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East, Sky News understands.

The 30-minute phone conversation with Masoud Pezeshkian followed a joint statement on Monday issued with France, the US and Germany calling on Iran and its allies not to “jeopardise the opportunity to agree a ceasefire and the release of hostages” in Gaza.

There are growing fears Iran will retaliate against Israel over the killing of a senior Hamas member, prompting the US to order the deployment of a guided missile submarine to the Middle East.

Sky’s Middle East correspondent Alistair Bunkall said it had been a “busy night of diplomacy” for Sir Keir, who warned Iran during the call that any retaliation risks pushing the Middle East into an “uncontrollable war”.

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