As the conflict between Israel and Iran continued into its eight straight day, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and UK Foreign Minister David Lammy met in Washington on Thursday to discuss diplomatic efforts to contain the growing crisis in the Middle East. The meeting comes ahead of planned talks between Iran and European powers aimed at reviving nuclear diplomacy and preventing wider escalation. Rubio and Lammy reaffirmed their shared position that Iran must "never develop or acquire a nuclear weapon,” according to a statement from the US State Department. The UK Foreign Office also confirmed that Lammy will meet on Friday in Geneva with the European Union’s top diplomat and foreign ministers from France and Germany. The goal is to engage directly with Iran’s foreign minister to de-escalate the situation. Lammy: 'A window. for a diplomatic solution' Speaking ahead of the Geneva meeting, Lammy said: "A window now exists within the next two weeks to achieve a diplomatic solution.” He added: “Now is the time to put a stop to the grave scenes in the Middle East and prevent a regional escalation that would benefit no one.” While in Washington, Lammy also met with White House Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. Trump’s decision on military involvement expected soon The White House confirmed that President Donald Trump will participate in a national security meeting on Friday morning. Trump is expected to decide within the next two weeks whether the US will directly join the conflict between Israel and Iran. He has kept US allies and adversaries guessing. Earlier this week, Trump told reporters, “I may do it. I may not do it. I mean, nobody knows what I’m going to do.” He added that he prefers to make the “final decision one second before it’s due.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he trusts Trump to “do what’s best for America,” adding, “I can tell you that they’re already helping a lot.” Heavy civilian toll The conflict began when Israel launched surprise airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military targets on June 13. Iran responded with waves of missiles and drones targeting Israeli cities and infrastructure. According to a Washington-based Iranian human rights group, at least 639 people, including 263 civilians, have been killed in Iran, and more than 1,300 others have been wounded. Israeli officials say at least 24 civilians have been killed and hundreds more injured in Iranian retaliatory strikes. (With inputs from Reuters)
