Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman underscores the UK’s delicate diplomatic balancing act in the Middle East as the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran enters its fourth week.
Key implications for the UK:
- Saudi alliance: The call reaffirms the UK’s strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia, a critical player in regional stability and global energy markets. With the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed to most shipping, Saudi support is essential for any maritime security arrangement.
- Military involvement: Starmer’s reference to “the deployment of further UK defensive military equipment” signals Britain’s deepening military commitment in the region. The UK already has naval assets in the Gulf and reportedly allowed the U.S. to use British bases for strikes on Iran.
- Maritime security: Downing Street’s statement that the UK is “working with partners on what a viable plan could look like to ensure the flow of goods through the key maritime route” suggests London is positioning itself as a key player in any post-conflict security framework for the Strait of Hormuz.
- Diplomatic balancing: Starmer’s “appalling” condemnation of Iran’s attacks on critical national infrastructure aligns with the U.S. position, but the UK has also faced pressure to push for de-escalation. The call with Saudi Arabia — which has maintained a cautious stance in the conflict — suggests London is seeking to coordinate with regional powers who are not directly involved in the fighting.
- Energy security: The UK, while less dependent on Middle Eastern oil than many European countries, remains exposed to global price shocks. A prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz would have significant economic consequences for British consumers and businesses.
The call follows a UK-led joint statement last week, the contents of which have not been publicly detailed. Downing Street’s emphasis on “a viable plan” for maritime routes indicates that the UK is engaging in contingency planning for the eventual winding down of the conflict — though when that might happen remains uncertain.
The UK government has not announced any new military commitments beyond the “defensive equipment” mentioned in the statement. However, with U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting Washington may be “winding down” its military operation, questions are emerging about what role Britain might play in any post-war security arrangement.
By Mrinmay Dey
March 24 (Reuters) – British Prime Minister Keir Starmer discussed the ongoing conflict in the Middle East with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday evening, a Downing Street spokesperson said.
Starmer reiterated support for Saudi Arabia during the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, and updated the Saudi crown prince on the deployment of further UK defensive military equipment, the spokesperson said.
“Iran’s ongoing attacks, including on critical national infrastructure, were appalling,” Starmer said.
“Following the UK-led joint statement last week, the UK was now working with partners on what a viable plan could look like to ensure the flow of goods through the key maritime route,” Downing Street said, quoting Starmer.
(Reporting by Mrinmay Dey in Mexico City; Editing by Chris Reese)
Reuters wire copy published under license. UK impact analysis by The Credibility News.
