UK PM speaks with Saudi Crown Prince, leaders of France, Germany, Italy about Middle East
Starmer said additional British fighter jets, helicopters and a destroyer were being sent to the Middle East and claimed the UK would support Saudi Arabia’s defense if necessary.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Friday to discuss the Iranian strikes, the Prime Minister’s Office said in a press release.
Starmer said additional British fighter jets, helicopters and a destroyer were being sent to the Middle East and claimed the UK would support Saudi Arabia’s defense if necessary.
Salman and Starmer also discussed increased intelligence cooperation to support defensive operations and protect civilians, and agreed to remain in close contact over the coming days and weeks.
Starmer speaks with French, German and Italian leaders
Starmer also spoke to the leaders of France, Germany and Italy on Friday about the situation in the Middle East, according to a separate statement.
The leaders condemned Iran’s “blatant” attacks and agreed on the need to coordinate closely on the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, reiterating their concern over the situation in Lebanon.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer pose at the start of the E-3 meeting, during the Munich Security Conference (MSC), in Munich, Germany, February 13, 2026. (Credit: Thomas Kienzle/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo)
Ukrainian President Zelensky’s expertise in drone interception was praised and leaders stressed the importance of continued support for Ukraine.
Starmer provided an update on the UK’s defensive measures to protect and strengthen its partners in the region, as well as efforts to support the departure of British nationals from the Middle East through commercial and charter flights.
Starmer speaks with Bahrain’s king
On Thursday, Starmer spoke to Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and informed him of the UK’s plans to send four additional Typhoon aircraft to Qatar to provide defensive support to regional allies and offer additional defensive cover to Bahrain.
Starmer and Khalifa agreed that operational teams would work together on plans in the coming days.
Residential neighborhoods in Bahrain were targeted by Iranian attack drones on Thursday evening, according to US CENTCOM.
