Britain will significantly increase defensive support for Gulf states in response to Iranian attacks on energy facilities across the region, Defence Secretary John Healey has declared, labelling the strikes a serious escalation of the conflict.
Healey Condemns Iranian Actions During Edinburgh Visit
Speaking to the Press Association during a visit to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh, John Healey stated that overnight Iranian strikes threatened to further destabilise the Middle East. He reiterated the Government's call for de-escalation while confirming the UK's commitment to bolstering defensive measures.
"They're a serious escalation. They further destabilise the region and we will step up the defensive support that we can offer to those Gulf states," Healey emphasised.
Details of the Iranian Attacks and Global Impact
Following an Israeli strike on its primary natural gas field, Iran targeted multiple energy sites across the Gulf overnight. The attacks included a Saudi oil refinery, Qatari gas facilities, and two additional oil refineries in Kuwait.
The immediate aftermath saw oil prices surge to 119 dollars per barrel on Thursday morning, before settling slightly to 113 dollars. This volatility threatens higher global inflation, raising concerns about the security of fossil fuel supplies.
Healey highlighted the direct impact on British households, noting, "We can see the impact here on the cost of living, the price of fuel, so it's important that we do everything we can with a lot of other countries that need to be involved in trying to reopen those straits."
Current UK Military Involvement and Strategic Planning
British forces are already actively deployed in the Middle East. RAF jets are conducting defensive sorties against Iranian drones across the Gulf, while British air defence systems are protecting critical infrastructure in Saudi Arabia.
Additionally, UK military planners have joined US Central Command to develop proposals for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a vital trade route for global oil and gas shipments. Healey asserted that de-escalation and conflict resolution are the most effective ways to alleviate pressure on world oil prices.
International Diplomatic Response Led by Prime Minister Starmer
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer chaired a meeting of the Government's emergency Cobra committee on Thursday morning in direct response to the Iranian attacks. He also held discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, focusing on what he termed the "egregious Iranian strikes" and formulating a viable plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Subsequently, Sir Keir and the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Japan issued a joint statement condemning "in the strongest terms" Iranian attacks on shipping and oil and gas facilities, as well as the de facto closure of the strait.
The leaders expressed deep concern about the escalating conflict and called on Iran to cease its threats immediately, including mine-laying, drone and missile attacks, and other attempts to block commercial shipping. They urged compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 2817, which was approved on March 11 and condemns Iran's attacks on neighbouring countries.
The statement also conveyed readiness to contribute to efforts aimed at reopening the strait and stabilising energy markets.
Further Diplomatic Engagements and Reaffirmed Support
Later, Sir Keir spoke with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, again condemning the Iranian strikes. He warned that "such reckless attacks on critical infrastructure risk pushing the region further into crisis."
A Downing Street spokesman confirmed that the two leaders discussed defensive support for the Gulf, with Sir Keir affirming the UK's continued solidarity, stating the nation would "continue to stand with Qatar and all our allies" in the region.
