The visit is expected to focus on maintaining the continuity of global oil supply amid disruption in the Strait of Hormuz and discussions with regional partners follow the International Energy Agency’s announcement of the release of 400 million barrels from strategic reserves, reports John Williams
UK Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, has arrived in Saudi Arabia on a visit aimed at demonstrating Britain’s support for regional allies facing what the government described as Iranian aggression. The trip comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and ongoing UK efforts to assist British nationals returning from the region.
Cooper’s visit makes her the first UK minister to travel to the Gulf since the start of the current conflict. According to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the trip underlines Britain’s commitment to long-standing partners in the region and highlights cooperation on energy security and oil supply during a volatile period.
Saudi Arabia, one of the UK’s oldest partners in the Gulf, has recently been targeted by Iranian missiles and drones, including attacks on oil facilities and the US Embassy in Riyadh. The UK government said the visit is intended to reinforce support for Gulf allies as they defend themselves against such strikes.
The Foreign Secretary’s trip also comes as the UK government continues efforts to help British nationals leave the region. Since the conflict began, more than 63,000 British citizens have returned home. The government has organised five charter flights departing from the United Arab Emirates and Oman, and officials say further flights are planned in the coming days.
Authorities are also working with commercial airlines to increase seat capacity to assist those seeking to return to the UK. During the visit, Cooper is expected to thank Saudi Arabia for its assistance in helping British nationals depart the region, noting that commercial flight routes from the country have continued to operate with limited disruption.
In a statement released ahead of the visit, Cooper said, “The situation in the Middle East remains highly volatile, and our priority is the safety and security of British people, alongside supporting our partners across the region who face continuing strikes. This is why it is so important for me to be here in Saudi Arabia – an essential partner for the UK in the Gulf, who have been targeted by reckless attacks by the Iranian regime, and who have supported British nationals to come home and is working to maintain energy security and supply. Everyone wants to see a swift resolution that brings security and stability back to the region and stops this Iranian threat to its neighbours.”
The visit is also expected to focus on maintaining the continuity of global oil supply amid disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for energy exports. Discussions with regional partners follow the International Energy Agency’s announcement of the release of 400 million barrels from strategic reserves.
The UK government said the talks would also highlight the defence relationship between Britain and Saudi Arabia, including Saudi air defence systems that have been intercepting incoming threats. Officials say more than 25,000 British nationals currently live in the country.
As part of the visit, Cooper is scheduled to observe a demonstration of a UK air defence battery deployed in Saudi Arabia since 2022. The system is maintained at high readiness to help defend critical national infrastructure.
Britain has also increased its military presence in the wider region. Additional deployments include four Typhoon fighter jets, three Wildcat helicopters, a Merlin helicopter and the Royal Navy destroyer HMS Dragon. RAF operational specialists have also been sent to more than five countries to assist with coordination of military and civilian airspace.
The government said the measures are intended to support regional stability while protecting British interests and nationals. Ministers also say they are working with partners, including Saudi Arabia, to ensure energy security and reduce the impact of the conflict on fuel prices and household bills in the UK.
