Keir Starmer has shown support for the leaders of various Middle Eastern nations in response to heightened tensions caused by joint US-Israeli airstrikes.
Downing Street confirmed that the Prime Minister engaged in discussions with the rulers of Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait amid ongoing strikes in the region.
Explosions have been reported in multiple Gulf states as Iran vowed to carry out its most severe retaliatory operation following the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
During his conversations with the three leaders, Starmer expressed deep concerns over attacks on civilian facilities and emphasized the UK’s commitment to defending its regional partners.
A Downing Street spokesperson stated that the safety of civilians, including British nationals and armed forces personnel, was a key topic of discussion. The UK has deployed aircraft to safeguard its allies in the area.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper condemned the indiscriminate Iranian strikes that caused a fire at a luxury hotel in Dubai, expressing solidarity with the UAE.
Although the UK was not involved in the US-Israeli actions, Defense Secretary John Healey cautioned that the Iranian response posed risks to UK personnel and allies. He confirmed incidents where Iranian drones were shot down in Iraq.
Healey also revealed that two ballistic missiles targeted Cyprus, emphasizing Iran’s escalating attacks and lack of control over its military actions.
The Defense chief reiterated the UK’s stance against Iran’s aggressive behavior and highlighted the role of British forces in countering Iranian threats in the region.
Regarding the death of Khamenei, Healey criticized the regime for its history of violence and support for terrorism, urging Iran to cease its destructive actions.
While refraining from commenting on the legality of the US strikes, Healey emphasized the shared objective of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and enhancing regional security.
The UK, along with France and Germany, denounced Iran’s actions and called for a return to diplomatic negotiations. However, some allies, such as Canada and Australia, supported US intervention to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
Green Party leader Zack Polanski criticized the UK government’s ambiguous stance on the US strikes, labeling them as illegal and unjustified.
Tory shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel criticized ministers for their perceived lack of proactive support for the strikes, highlighting the need for a more assertive approach.
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