Downing Street published a readout on 24 March 2026 confirming the Prime Minister spoke with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Prime Minister offered Eid greetings and condemned Iran’s continuing attacks, including against critical national infrastructure, as unacceptable, according to No 10.
The UK reiterated what the readout described as unwavering support for the Kingdom and briefed Riyadh on the deployment of further UK defensive military equipment. No 10 did not provide system types or timelines, reflecting standard operational practice on disclosure.
Both leaders discussed the need for regional de‑escalation. The Prime Minister also updated on UK planning related to the Strait of Hormuz, emphasising work with partners to maintain commercial flows through the waterway that the House of Commons Library notes typically carries around a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas.
No 10 linked this planning to a UK‑led joint statement issued in the week commencing 16 March 2026. Officials are now working with partners on what the readout termed a viable plan to ensure the uninterrupted movement of goods through the strait, with details to follow.
For maritime operators, the signal is clear: security planning is advancing alongside partner coordination. Throughout March, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations and the Joint Maritime Information Center have advised vessels to exercise extreme caution in the Arabian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman, underscoring the current risk environment.
Energy security measures continue in parallel. On 11 March 2026, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said the UK would join an International Energy Agency oil stock release and stressed that the sustainable solution to market stability is the safe transit of tankers through the Strait of Hormuz.
The call also sits within a broader diplomatic track. On 1 March 2026, the E3-France, Germany and the United Kingdom-issued a joint statement condemning Iranian missile and drone attacks across the region and signalling readiness to coordinate with the United States and regional partners.
According to the 24 March readout, the Prime Minister and the Crown Prince agreed that their teams would continue to work closely to defend Saudi Arabia and the wider region from further attacks. The leaders agreed to remain in close contact as planning progresses.
Further specifics on the UK’s additional defensive deployments and any maritime security arrangements for the Strait of Hormuz have not been released. Any operational updates are expected via No 10 or the Ministry of Defence, with navigational guidance disseminated through UKMTO channels.
Taken together, the government’s readouts point to sustained UK engagement with Gulf partners on regional security, de‑escalation and maritime trade continuity. Attention now turns to forthcoming ministerial statements and maritime advisories that will shape operating decisions for ports, carriers and insurers.