Starmer and European allies condemn Iran attacks in joint statement
Sir Keir Starmer issued a joint statement with the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Japan, condemning Iran’s attacks on ships and blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
The leaders expressed “deep concern” about the escalating conflict and called on Iran to “immediately cease its threats, mine-laying, drone and missile attacks, and other attempts to close the strait to commercial shipping.”
It comes after British defense secretary John Healey vowed to “increase” defense support to Gulf states after Iran “seriously escalated” the war by attacking energy fields in the region.
The price of Brent crude rose nearly 7 per cent to more than $114 (£85) a barrel on Thursday morning; This means it is approaching the highest level since the conflict escalated in late February, raising fears of a major disruption to global supplies.
The six leaders said in a statement: “We condemn in the strongest terms Iran’s recent attacks on unarmed commercial ships in the Gulf, attacks on civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas facilities, and the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces.
“We express our deep concerns about the escalation of the war. We call on Iran to immediately stop its threats, mine-laying, unmanned aerial vehicle and missile attacks and other attempts to close the strait to commercial shipping, and to comply with UN Security Council resolution 2817.”
Resolution 2817, approved on March 11, condemned Iran’s attacks on its neighbors and called on Tehran to cease hostilities.
The effects of Iran’s actions will be felt around the world, especially by the most vulnerable people, the countries said.
“We express our readiness to contribute to the efforts necessary to ensure safe passage through the Strait. We welcome the determination of the nations making preparation planning,” they said.
On Thursday, Defense Secretary John Healey warned that Tehran’s overnight attacks threatened to “further destabilize the region” as he reiterated the government’s call for de-escalation.
Speaking during a visit to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh, Mr Healey added: “We will increase the defense support we can offer to these Gulf countries.”
Following Israel’s attack on its main natural gas field, Iran struck several energy facilities across the Gulf, including a Saudi oil refinery, Qatar gas facilities and two oil refineries in Kuwait.
British forces are already deployed to the Middle East; RAF jets fly defensive sorties across the Gulf against Iranian drones and British air defense systems protect critical infrastructure in Saudi Arabia.
UK military planners also joined US Central Command to help formulate proposals to open the Strait of Hormuz, a critical trade route for the world’s oil and gas.
Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer chaired a meeting of the government’s emergency Cobra committee on Thursday morning in response to attacks overnight.
“Officials are understood to be discussing contingency planning, which includes working with airlines to ensure tickets remain fair and affordable,” the Prime Minister’s spokesman said.
Sir Keir also met with French President Emmanuel Macron and NATO secretary-general Mark Rutte on Thursday to discuss the “horrible Iranian attacks” as well as creating a “workable plan” to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
