Downing Street said the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, spoke with Kuwait’s Crown Prince, Sheikh Sabah Al‑Khaled Al‑Hamad Al‑Mubarak Al‑Sabah, on 19 March 2026, against a backdrop of wider attacks in the Gulf. (gov.uk)
The Prime Minister condemned Iran’s actions as unacceptable and reckless, conveyed condolences for those killed in Kuwait and reiterated the UK’s call for de‑escalation. (gov.uk)
Both sides agreed that reopening the Strait of Hormuz is a priority. (gov.uk)
They also agreed to continue working together, including on defensive capabilities in the region. No operational details were released. (gov.uk)
For clarity on timing, the statement’s reference to “yesterday” is relative to the 19 March publication date, indicating 18 March 2026 as the day of the refinery strikes. (gov.uk)
Policy Wire analysis: The focus on reopening the Strait points to a twin‑track approach-diplomatic steps to reduce risk alongside practical measures to restore secure commercial transit. In practice this often means clear procedures for merchant shipping and a visible protective posture around key energy and port infrastructure.
Policy Wire analysis: For the UK, immediate tasks span the FCDO, the Ministry of Defence and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero-sustaining contact with Gulf partners, assessing threats to UK‑linked shipping and energy flows, and calibrating any further support requests in line with regional de‑escalation.
Earlier in March, No 10 recorded that the UK had aircraft in the sky as part of a co‑ordinated defensive response to protect partners, underscoring a standing security posture alongside diplomacy. (gov.uk)
Downing Street concluded that both sides would keep in touch as work continues on defensive co‑operation and steps toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz. (gov.uk)