British Prime Minister Keir Starmer held a call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, asking him to refrain from attacking Israel and saying that war was not in anyone’s interest, his office said, Reuters reports.

Starmer spoke with Pezeshkian as part of efforts to ease tensions in the Middle East.

“There was a serious risk of miscalculation and now was the time for calm and careful consideration,” 10 Downing Street cited Starmer as saying, adding that he had underlined his commitment to an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages and increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The focus should be on diplomatic negotiations, Starmer said.