Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has condemned drone and missile strikes by Iran against the United Arab Emirates, demanding an end to the escalation and urging Tehran to engage meaningfully in talks to preserve the current Middle East ceasefire.
US Military Moves to Reopen Strait of Hormuz
The condemnation comes as a US military commander confirmed American forces are helping restore international shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway effectively closed by Iranian actions. Admiral Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command, stated his forces have the clear advantage with significant capability and firepower in the region.
The United States reported that two US-flagged cargo ships successfully passed through the strait as part of President Donald Trump's push to reopen the maritime pinchpoint and free some 2,000 stranded vessels. The closure has inflicted a global economic shock, sending energy prices soaring.
Ceasefire Under Strain
The move to restore the sea route has shaken the fragile ceasefire in the region. The UAE reported coming under attack for the first time since the truce took effect in early April. An Iranian drone strike ignited a fire at a key oil facility, and two cargo vessels were reported on fire off the UAE coast.
The US military said it destroyed six Iranian small boats and intercepted cruise missiles and drones fired by Tehran. Admiral Cooper noted, "We have defeated each and every one of those threats through the clinical application of defensive munitions."
UK Solidarity with UAE
Sir Keir Starmer said, "The UK condemns the drone and missile strikes targeting the United Arab Emirates. As I set out during my visit to the region last month, stability in the Gulf directly affects the UK. We stand in solidarity with the UAE and will continue to support the defence of our partners in the Gulf. This escalation must cease. Iran needs to engage meaningfully in negotiations to ensure the ceasefire in the Middle East endures, and a long-term diplomatic solution is achieved."
Iranian Response
Tehran has disputed US claims it sank six of its vessels and reiterated that all shipping must obtain permission to transit the strait. Major General Ali Abdollahi warned on state TV, "Any foreign military force – especially the aggressive US military – that intends to approach or enter the Strait of Hormuz will be targeted."
Despite the impasse and threat of fresh hostilities, President Trump insisted it was "working out very nicely." Speaking at the White House, he reiterated that Iran cannot be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon, saying, "They have no navy, they have no air force, they have no anti-aircraft equipment. They have no radar, they have no nothing." Trump described the conflict as a mini-war and predicted oil prices would fall substantially once resolved. He also mentioned considering a new Iranian proposal to end the war but expressed doubt it would lead to a deal.
