Foreign Secretary David Lammy urges Iran to prevent a full-scale conflict in the Middle East as Israel steps up its bombardment of Lebanon

Britain has launched a diplomatic bid to prevent a full-scale regional conflict in the Middle East.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy reached out to his Iranian counterpart in an attempt to prevent further escalation. 

As Israel stepped up its bombardment of the neighbouring state of Lebanon, Mr Lammy spoke to foreign minister Abbas Araghchi.

UK sources said Mr Lammy requested that Iran use its influence over Hezbollah to prevent a major conflict. 

He also reminded Mr Araghchi of Britain’s support for a 21-day ceasefire and the start of negotiations between the major parties.

Israel stepped up its bombardment of the neighbouring state of Lebanon (Beirut is seen with smoke billowing on Friday)

Foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said on X: ‘I explicitly warned [Mr Lammy] of the disastrous consequences of the Israeli regime’s ­ongoing aggression’

The Iranian ­foreign minister later posted on X: ‘I explicitly warned [Mr Lammy] of the disastrous consequences of the Israeli regime’s ­ongoing aggression against Lebanon.’

Meanwhile, the Foreign Office has dispatched more officials to Lebanon to assist Britons seeking to leave the country.

Despite repeated government pleas, thousands of UK citizens have opted to remain in Lebanon as security in the country has worsened.

But Defence Secretary John Healey said earlier this week: ‘Events in the past hours and days have demonstrated how volatile this situation is which is why our message is clear – British nationals should leave now.

‘We continue to urge all sides to step back from conflict to prevent further tragic loss of life.

‘Government is ensuring all preparations are in place to support British nationals should the situation deteriorate.’