LONDON, May 5, 2026 (AFP) – British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called Monday for de-escalation in the Middle East after the United Arab Emirates reported attacks for the first time since a truce was declared nearly a month ago.

“The UK condemns the drone and missile strikes targeting the United Arab Emirates,” Starmer said in a statement.

“This escalation must cease. Iran needs to engage meaningfully in negotiations to ensure the ceasefire in the Middle East endures, and a long-term diplomatic solution is achieved.”

The UAE, a close US ally and key Arab partner of Israel, said it came under a barrage of missiles and drones from Iran on Monday.