Remaining in Nato is in best interests of US, says Keir Starmer

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that it is in the best interest of the United States to remain in NATO. Speaking in Qatar at the end of a Gulf trip that included stops in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain, Starmer addressed Donald Trump's threats to withdraw the US from the alliance. Starmer agreed with Trump's call for increased European defense spending within NATO, emphasizing the alliance's effectiveness and the need for a stronger European contribution. Starmer also discussed with Gulf leaders the importance of ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz following recent tensions with Iran, and the need to avoid potential levies on ships passing through. Starmer and Trump spoke on Thursday night about ensuring ships could safely pass through the strait of Hormuz.

In April 2026, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar, aiming to reassert Britain's diplomatic role in the Middle East. However, a Palestinian political analyst argues that Britain's influence in the region has significantly declined. Critical decisions regarding the US-Iran ceasefire and Israeli strikes on Lebanon were being made elsewhere, bypassing the UK. The article asserts that Britain is now a supporting voice rather than a decisive actor, a consequence of the Iraq war and Brexit. The UK's emphasis on diplomacy is undermined by its lack of influence, as regional powers and other Western nations take the lead in shaping outcomes.

British Defence Secretary John Healey stated that the US should judge the UK's value based on its actions in the Gulf, not on Donald Trump's social media posts. Healey highlighted the UK's recent efforts, including providing basing permissions for US military operations and leading a call with 35 nations to secure the Strait of Hormuz. Keir Starmer also discussed the Strait of Hormuz with President Trump and Gulf leaders, emphasizing the need to keep it open without tolls. Starmer conveyed the Gulf states' concerns about the fragility of the ceasefire and the importance of their involvement in any lasting solution. These discussions occurred amidst concerns about continued Israeli attacks and potential Iranian retaliation.

The six Gulf Arab monarchies are apprehensive about ongoing US-Iran negotiations in Pakistan, fearing that any resulting peace agreement could compromise their security and economic diversification efforts. This concern stems from past attacks by Iranian drones and missiles, coupled with the recent failure of their UN Security Council bid to secure defensive measures for the Strait of Hormuz due to vetoes from China and Russia. Gulf states feel sidelined in the negotiations, relying on information from Washington and Islamabad. Officials and commentators in the UAE and Kuwait have voiced concerns about being excluded from the process, fearing the potential consequences for their long-term stability and economic goals.

Following a US-Israel war on Iran, Gulf states are reassessing their security strategies due to an emboldened Iran and battered economies. Gulf nations aim to diversify security partnerships, potentially including countries like Turkey and Pakistan, moving away from sole reliance on the US. A key point of contention remains Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital trade route, which will be a focus in upcoming US-Iran talks. Despite successfully intercepting many Iranian missiles during the conflict, Gulf states are divided on future relations with Iran, ranging from hawkish stances to hopes for renewed ties. Saudi Arabia and Iran have initiated contact to de-escalate tensions, highlighting the need to insulate the region from perpetual conflict and rebuild economic foundations.