UK Foreign Secretary Meets UAE Deputy PM to Discuss Strait of Hormuz Navigation Amid Rising Tensions

London, 31 July 2026 – In a high‑profile meeting that underscored the fragility of global energy flows, Britain’s new foreign secretary, Ed Miliband, sat down with UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, to hash out ways to ease tensions in the Middle East and safeguard freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Miliband announced the encounter on X, writing: “Meeting @ABZayed today, we discussed reducing tensions in the Middle East and protecting freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.” A photo of the two leaders shaking hands accompanied the tweet, offering a visual testament to the diplomatic effort.

The conversation came at a time when the Strait of Hormuz—a narrow waterway linking the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman—has been shut for several weeks. The closure followed a series of U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian military targets in February 2026. Iran’s response was a threat to close the strait entirely and to demand tolls from any vessel attempting to transit, a move that would disrupt the flow of about 25 % of global seaborne oil and 20 % of liquefied natural gas. Shipping and energy markets worldwide have reacted with concern.

Miliband, who took office as foreign secretary on 20 July 2026 after serving as Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, now leads the UK’s diplomatic push to keep maritime routes open and to deepen ties with Gulf partners. Sheikh Abdullah, who has been UAE’s foreign minister since 2006 and deputy prime minister since 2009, is a senior architect of the country’s foreign‑policy agenda.

The UK and the UAE share a long history of cooperation. In 2021 they signed a free‑trade agreement, and the UK remains the UAE’s largest trading partner in the region. A joint partnership initiative launched in 2023 aimed at “driving growth and prosperity” in both nations echoes the themes Miliband highlighted in his social‑media post.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical choke point for global energy supplies. According to the United Nations, the waterway falls within the territorial seas of Iran and Oman, and a special legal regime governs straits used for international navigation. The European Council, in a statement on 8 June 2026, called for full implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), which reaffirms the right of free passage through the strait.

In addition to diplomatic dialogue, the UK maintains a multinational military mission in the region to safeguard the strait. A joint statement released on 14 May 2026 announced the launch of this mission, which includes naval assets from several NATO and partner countries.

Miliband’s meeting with Sheikh Abdullah was part of a broader UK effort to de‑escalate Middle‑East tensions. Britain has repeatedly warned that any closure of the strait would have severe repercussions for global energy security and international trade. The UAE, for its part, has been a vocal supporter of keeping shipping lanes open and has urged Iran to refrain from actions that could disrupt maritime traffic.

The discussion also touched on the wider regional security environment. The UAE has played a role in several conflicts, including the fight against ISIS and the Saudi‑led intervention in Yemen, and it maintains a close relationship with the United States. Meanwhile, the UK has been working with the UAE to promote climate‑resilient growth and to diversify the UAE’s economy beyond hydrocarbons.

No formal agreements were announced during the meeting, but both officials expressed a shared commitment to strengthening the UK‑UAE partnership and to ensuring the safety of maritime navigation. The UK’s foreign‑policy team has indicated that it will continue to engage with Gulf partners to address the evolving security situation.

The situation remains fluid. The Strait of Hormuz has not yet reopened, and Iran’s toll demands have not been met. The UK’s diplomatic mission in Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s embassy in London are maintaining open lines of communication as the two sides monitor the developing crisis.

In summary, the 31 July 2026 meeting between Ed Miliband and Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed highlighted the importance of the UK‑UAE partnership in addressing Middle‑East tensions and protecting freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to dialogue and cooperation as the region navigates a complex security environment.