UK Defence Secretary John Healey has affirmed that his country stands with Qatar and its partners in the Gulf in the face of Iran’s widespread attacks on the region.
Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA) during his visit to Doha earlier this week, Healey said the visit aimed to discuss the latest security developments and explore ways to further deepen cooperation.
He added that his message to Qatar and Gulf partners was that “Britain stands with you. We are not watching from a distance, we are here, shoulder to shoulder as you defend your skies from Iran’s widespread attacks. I am grateful for all that Qatar is doing to support security in the region.”
He noted that he had the honour of meeting the Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (photo), as well as Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs HE Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al Thani, and senior Qatari defence officials, where they discussed overall defence cooperation between the two countries.
The UK Defence Secretary stressed that “Britain’s commitment to Gulf security is not just words, it is demonstrated every day by our forces flying defensive missions across this region alongside our partners, and our air defence teams and systems integrated with Gulf nations.”
Healey explained that the UK has significantly enhanced its defensive military presence in the region and that it will continue to do whatever is necessary to protect its allies and British interests.
He noted that the United Kingdom had agreed with Qatar last January to deploy the joint 12Squadron, with additional aircraft deployed at the beginning of March.
He also pointed out that the United Kingdom had deployed F-35 aircraft, air defence systems, and counter-drone teams in the region before the conflict, noting that these preparations made a tangible difference from the very first day.
“We now have more jets flying in this region than at any point in the last 15 years, with our aircrew having completed over 1,100 hours of defensive operations. We have deployed HMS Dragon to the Eastern Mediterranean, extended our Typhoon deployment in Qatar,” Healey said.
He noted that his visit to Doha dealt with discussing the latest security developments, the ongoing threat from Iran, and ways to enhance defence cooperation. “This is a partnership that continues to grow stronger, and I am proud that the UK has been able to support Qatar,” he said.
Healey described the US as the UK’s principal defence and security partner, noting that the two countries’ Commanders were in communication daily.
He noted that Britain agreed to the US request to use its bases for specific and limited defensive operations, including degrading missile sites used to attack ships in the Strait of Hormuz, in line with international law and collective self-defence for UK’s long-standing friends and allies and in accordance with international law.
He stressed that the UK has made a deliberate decision not to join offensive action.
Regarding the expected British role in protecting vital maritime routes in the Arabian Gulf, including the Strait of Hormuz, Healey said that “freedom of navigation is a fundamental principle of international law, and Iran’s attacks on commercial shipping and its de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz are completely unacceptable.”
He stressed that the UK was working urgently with partners to develop a multilateral plan to restore navigation, noting that any plan it contributes to must be multilateral, viable, and consistent with international law.
He added that the United Kingdom’s approach is based on three clear principles: defensive action only, close coordination with allies, and a firm legal basis for everything it does.
He reaffirmed that his country will not be drawn into a wider war, emphasising that its focus remains on collective defence, urging Iran to immediately cease its attacks, and working with partners to pursue a diplomatic path forward. (QNA; Photo: Qatar’s Amir Receives UK Secretary of State for Defence © Amiri Diwan)