British jets will assist in defending Saudi Arabia's oil infrastructure from missile attacks by Iranian-backed militias, as announced by Prime Minister Andy Burnham. He confirmed that he has approved a request from Riyadh for military support against Houthi rebels in Yemen, which have contributed to rising global oil prices. The Royal Air Force (RAF) will provide air-to-air refueling for jets intercepting drones and missiles launched by the Houthis. This marks the first new military deployment authorized by Burnham since he took office in July.
Saudi Arabia has sought Western assistance following Houthi attacks that disrupted a key pipeline exporting oil to the Red Sea, allowing exports without passing through the Iranian-controlled Strait of Hormuz. These attacks have led to increased oil prices, impacting petrol and diesel prices in the UK.
While traveling to New York, Burnham stated, 'We have received a request from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for military support, and on the advice of the defence secretary and the foreign secretary, I agreed to that request for defensive air-to-air refueling.' He emphasized the importance of addressing cost of living pressures and securing Britain's interests and the broader region, given the ongoing attacks on Saudi Arabia.
The deployment is expected to commence within days and will be 'time-limited,' with officials indicating that RAF involvement could last for several weeks. The RAF A400M Voyager aircraft, currently stationed in Cyprus, will be utilized for refueling jets patrolling Saudi airspace against missile threats, but will not participate in offensive operations against Houthi positions in Yemen.
The Houthis are perceived as proxies of the Iranian regime, which aims to disrupt oil supplies to exert economic pressure on the West following recent US and Israeli military actions. Burnham also plans to discuss the Middle East crisis with Donald Trump during the UN General Assembly, stating, 'Of course the message is that we want to see an end to the conflict as quickly as possible and we stand ready to play our part.'