Sunak urges Iran to de-escalate as he condemns drone strike on US troops

Rishi Sunak has urged Iran to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East after three US troops were killed in a drone strike on an American base in Jordan.

The PM condemned the attack near the Syrian border which has sparked fears about escalating conflict across the region.

Joe Biden vowed that the US “shall respond” – blaming Iran-backed militias for what were the first US fatalities after months of strikes against forces since the Israel-Hamas war began.

At least 34 US troops were also said to have been injured in the strike on the support base known as Tower 22 on Sunday.

“We are concerned and would urge Iran to continue to de-escalate tensions in the region,” Mr Sunak told broadcasters on a trip to the north-east on Monday.

The PM added: “We absolutely condemn what has happened over the past couple of days. My thoughts are with all of those impacted, those who lost their lives, their families and those that are injured.”

Mr Sunak said the UK would “resolutely with our allies to bring stability and peace to the region”, adding: “And that’s what we’ll continue to work towards.”

Foreign secretary David Cameron has blamed ‘Iran-aligned militia groups’ for strike

US officials were working to identify the group behind the attack but have so far assessed that one of several Iranian-aligned groups was responsible.

Mr Biden said in a written statement that the US “will hold all those responsible to account at a time and in a manner [of] our choosing”.

Foreign secretary Lord David Cameron said that Britain “strongly condemned” the attacks by “Iran-aligned militia groups” as he also urged Tehran to de-escalate the situation.

“Our thoughts are with those US personnel who have lost their lives and all those who have sustained