UK Deputy Foreign Minister advocates for diplomacy to reduce regional tensions

Steven Dutton, the UK Deputy Foreign Minister, emphasized the necessity of diplomacy and de-escalation during the 22nd Manama Dialogue in Bahrain. He stated that the current period is a critical moment for diplomacy and assured that the United Kingdom will play an active role in finding diplomatic solutions and creating opportunities for dialogue.

Dutton expressed support for the mediation efforts of regional countries and noted that consultations following a recent meeting of European and regional foreign ministers in Turkey are continuing globally. He stressed that all efforts must be utilized to achieve peace.

During his remarks, Dutton addressed regional security and the Iranian nuclear program. He reiterated London’s opposition to Iran acquiring nuclear weapons, while Iran maintains that its nuclear activities are peaceful and that nuclear weapons are not part of its defense doctrine. Additionally, Dutton claimed that the UK has supported Arab nations in the region through aerial missions over Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, and the UAE, as well as by deploying air defense equipment in Bahrain and Kuwait.