Starmer Calls for De-escalation in Iran Conflict Amid Saudi Pressure Claims
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has emphasised the urgent need for de-escalation in the ongoing Iran war during a critical phone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This discussion occurred against a backdrop of reports alleging that the Saudi leader has been actively encouraging former US President Donald Trump to intensify the military assault against Iran.
Diplomatic Talks Amid Escalating Tensions
The Prime Minister spoke with Prince Mohammed, widely known as MBS, on Tuesday night as the Middle East crisis entered its fourth week. According to an official readout from Downing Street, Sir Keir and the Crown Prince discussed the necessity for de-escalation while the PM provided updates on strategic planning concerning the vital Strait of Hormuz.
This high-level diplomatic exchange took place mere hours after revelations from the New York Times, which cited sources indicating that MBS has been privately advocating for a more aggressive stance. The Saudi leader, who maintains a close relationship with Donald Trump, reportedly described the conflict as an historic opportunity to fundamentally reshape the Middle East's geopolitical landscape.
Saudi Arabia's Alleged Push for Regime Change
The newspaper's sources detailed that Prince Mohammed urged Mr. Trump to pursue the complete destruction of the Iranian regime, including the potential deployment of American ground troops. MBS allegedly suggested that US forces could seize Iran's energy infrastructure to force Tehran's hard-line government from power, arguing that Iran represents a persistent long-term threat to Gulf security that can only be neutralised by removing its leadership.
Mohammed bin Salman has been the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia since 2017, a tenure marked by assertions of ruthlessness, including alleged involvement in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Since the initiation of US-Israeli strikes against Iran, Donald Trump's public statements have vacillated unpredictably between hints at a swift conclusion and warnings of potential escalation.
UK's Stance and Military Support
In the official summary of the call, Number 10 stated that Prime Minister Starmer reiterated the United Kingdom's unwavering support for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A Downing Street spokeswoman elaborated, noting the Prime Minister condemned Iran's ongoing attacks, particularly those targeting critical national infrastructure, as appalling.
The PM also updated on the deployment of additional UK defensive military equipment to the region. The leaders concurred on the imperative for de-escalation and discussed planning around the Strait of Hormuz. Following a UK-led joint statement the previous week, the United Kingdom is now collaborating with international partners to develop a viable plan ensuring the uninterrupted flow of goods through this crucial maritime route.
Both leaders agreed that their respective teams should continue working closely to defend Saudi Arabia and the wider region from further assaults.
Official Denials and Regional Statements
Saudi officials have firmly rejected suggestions that MBS has advocated for prolonging the Iran war. In a statement provided to the New York Times, the Saudi government asserted, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has always supported a peaceful resolution to this conflict, even before it began. Our primary concern today is to defend ourselves from the daily attacks on our people and our civilian infrastructure.
The statement further accused Iran of choosing dangerous brinkmanship over serious diplomatic solutions, claiming this approach harms all stakeholders, most severely Iran itself. Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declined to comment on the President's private conversations, maintaining the administration's standard protocol regarding diplomatic communications.
