UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer spoke to the President of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, this afternoon to discuss regional stability and bilateral cooperation following recent indiscriminate attacks by Iran across the Middle East.
The Prime Minister opened the call by strongly condemning Iran’s aggressive actions throughout the region, which have raised tensions and threatened civilian safety. He expressed the United Kingdom’s solidarity with its Gulf partners and thanked His Highness for the UAE’s continued support for British nationals currently residing in the country.
With some British citizens potentially seeking to depart the region, Prime Minister Starmer updated President Sheikh Mohamed that the UK Government is working closely with commercial airlines and UAE authorities to increase capacity on routes back to the United Kingdom. This coordinated effort aims to assist those who wish to leave and ensure their safe return.
Discussing defence cooperation, the Prime Minister highlighted ongoing UK support for Gulf security. In addition to RAF Typhoon jets that have been deployed to support partners in the region, British counter-drone advisers have been working alongside UAE military specialists to bolster defensive operations. This collaboration, the Prime Minister noted, forms a critical part of efforts to counter airborne threats and protect regional infrastructure.
The two leaders agreed to remain in close contact as the situation develops, reaffirming the strong partnership between the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates.