The Prime Minister has vowed that Britain will not allow Iran “to cast a nuclear shadow” over the Middle East.

David Cameron, addressing the Kuwaiti National Assembly on his first visit to the Middle East since the region erupted in popular protest, said it was “disappointing and gravely concerning” that Iran had not responded to “the hand of friendship”.

He said: “We will not stand by and allow Iran to cast a nuclear shadow over this region nor accept interference by Iran in the affairs of its neighbours.”

Mr Cameron also spoke about his desire to push forwards peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians in order to achieve a two state solution.

He called for the Palestinian Authority “to shoulder its responsibility to tackle violence” and criticised Israel for settlement activity.

Mr Cameron said that the failure to reach an agreement would mean not just security problems for the region, but security problems for the whole world.

He said the current situation was “a recruiting sergeant for terror, an excuse for authoritarianism and a cause of deep-rooted instability” and added: “A lasting settlement would be the greatest step along a new path for this region.

“The same unity of purpose and message is necessary for the threat coming from Iran.”