UK condemns Iran strikes on UAE, urges diplomacy

The United Kingdom has condemned Iran’s recent attacks on the United Arab Emirates, as tensions in the Middle East escalate despite a fragile ceasefire.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday, May 4, criticised Tehran’s drone and missile strikes on the United Arab Emirates, according to a statement reported by Reuters citing the Prime Minister’s Office.

Starmer urged Iran to de-escalate the situation and return to diplomatic engagement.

"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,” Starmer said.

The condemnation follows a series of attacks on Monday in which Iran targeted multiple vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and set fire to an oil terminal in the UAE.

The incidents came after US President Donald Trump attempted to deploy the US Navy to secure key shipping lanes, a move that triggered the most significant escalation since a ceasefire between the sides was declared four weeks ago.

By Tamilla Hasanova