UK's Starmer discusses military, intelligence support with Saudi crown prince

Mar 6, 2026

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer gives an update on the situation in the Middle East at Downing Street Briefing Room, in London, Britain, March 05, 2026. Jaimi Joy/Pool via REUTERS — Jaimi Joy

March 6 (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke to Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman after Iran's strikes on the kingdom amid a sprawling conflict in the region, Downing Street said in a statement on Friday.

"Additional British fighter jets, helicopters and a destroyer were being sent to the region, and the UK stood ready to support the defence of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia should it be needed," Starmer told bin Salman.

The two leaders also discussed greater intelligence cooperation in support of defensive operations and civilians.

(Reporting by Ananya Palyekar in Bengaluru; Editing by Mark Porter)

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