Prime Minister Keir Starmer has condemned Iranian strikes on Qatari gas facilities and warned they risk pushing the Middle East further into crisis. He chaired an emergency Cobra meeting on Thursday to discuss the deteriorating situation in the region.
Downing Street confirmed that top ministers at the meeting discussed the domestic impact of the conflict, including contingency measures. Mr Starmer posted on X: 'I condemn in the strongest terms the overnight Iranian strike on a Qatari gas facility. We are working towards a swift resolution to the situation in the Middle East, in the best interests of the British people – because there is no question that ending the war is the quickest way to reduce the cost of living.'
Tehran's strikes on oil and gas facilities came in retaliation for an Israeli strike on South Pars, a key Iranian gas field. US President Donald Trump claimed America 'knew nothing' of Israel's strike but also threatened to 'massively blow up the entirety' of Iran's gas field.
On Thursday, the Prime Minister also held calls with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and French President Emmanuel Macron. A Downing Street spokesperson said: 'The leaders discussed the situation in the Middle East, including the egregious Iranian strikes on Qatari energy facilities. Attacks on critical infrastructure risked pushing the region further into crisis, the leaders agreed.'
The leaders also discussed the Strait of Hormuz, reiterating the importance of securing the key maritime route and supporting freedom of navigation. Mr Starmer added that it was vital partners work together on a viable plan.
