UK Prime Minister Starmer reassures Saudi Arabia of full support amid Iranian missile and drone attacks, regional instability, and threats to global energy and trade security, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk
Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer has reiterated the UK’s support to Saudi Arabia in the wake of escalating Iranian attacks across the Middle East, following a phone call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The call comes amid a regional crisis that began on February 28, when US and Israeli forces launched strikes on Iran. Since then, Tehran has retaliated by targeting Arab neighbours, Israel, and US assets in the region, causing security concerns and driving energy prices sharply higher.
According to a readout from the British premier’s office, Starmer described Iran’s ongoing attacks on “critical national infrastructure” as “appalling,” emphasising the UK’s commitment to backing Saudi Arabia during the crisis. The prime minister’s statement underlines London’s role as a key partner to Riyadh in addressing regional instability.
The Kingdom has received widespread international support. French President Emmanuel Macron spoke to the crown prince on Monday, expressing France’s solidarity and strongly condemning Iran’s repeated missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia.
Since the outbreak of hostilities, Iran has launched at least 44 ballistic missiles, seven cruise missiles, and over 600 drones toward Saudi targets, largely concentrated in the energy-rich Eastern Province. The ongoing assaults have heightened fears of further disruptions to global oil supplies and regional stability.
Iran has also taken measures to choke the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route for oil and essential goods, vowing to keep it closed until Washington and Tel Aviv end their operations against Tehran. The closure has compounded global economic anxiety, highlighting the strategic importance of the waterway.
US President Donald Trump has signalled that diplomatic efforts remain underway. He told reporters that Washington is engaged in discussions with “the right people” in Iran, who “want to make a deal so badly,” suggesting that avenues for negotiations remain open despite the ongoing military escalations.
