IRIA News

The United Kingdom Secretary of State for Defense Grant Shapps met U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin to discuss Houthi attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea, humanitarian assistance to Gaza, and support for Ukraine.

U.S. Defense Secretary Austin thanked Secretary Shapps for the UK’s steadfast support in coalition efforts to prevent further Houthi aggression and for defending naval and international commercial vessels in the Red Sea.

Austin said in a statement that the “U.S.-U.K alliance remains central as both countries work together to address the ongoing crisis in Israel and Gaza; attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in the Red Sea; and Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine.”

On Houthi attacks, UK Defence Secretary Shapps told Austin that the UK and U.S. stand “shoulder to shoulder” against the Iran-backed Houthi group to “ensure that there is a line that cannot be crossed”. He also highlighted that the UK’s Royal Navy plans to deploy an aircraft carrier in the Red Sea.

During his Pentagon visit, Shapps also sent his condolences for the deaths of three U.S. soldiers in a drone strike in Jordan and described Houthi militants as “pirates and thugs”.

Today, I met with my 🇬🇧 counterpart @GrantShapps to discuss Middle East security, on-going support to #Ukraine, and the @NATO Summit. We also reaffirmed the close and durable U.S.-UK partnership and our commitment to the rules-based international order. #WeAreNATO pic.twitter.com/6EDZpYChbg

— Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) January 31, 2024

The U.S. defense secretary highlighted that “The United Kingdom’s partnership is pivotal to addressing these reckless and illegal attacks against military vessels and commercial shipping in the Red Sea.”

Austin added “We can see Iran’s hand here, as well — providing the Houthis with advanced conventional weapons, intelligence, and expertise. The U.S. and U.K. are deeply committed to the rules-based international order and defending the freedom of navigation.”

On the Ukraine issue, UK’s Defense Secretary Shapps warned that defeat for Ukraine could be existential for Western nations and said “Regimes who do not believe in democracy are watching”.

He highlighted Russia’s victory in Ukraine would embolden other adversaries and said, “It is vitally important to our own national interests, and definitely to the Western civilized world, that Ukraine is successful in their own country.”

Austin said that the United States and the United Kingdom will continue to “stand foursquare together with Ukraine” as Russia’s invasion enters its third year. “I look forward to discussing ways that we can continue to strengthen Ukraine’s capability to defend its sovereign territory,” he added.

According to the Pentagon statement, both leaders also discussed AUKUS and the upcoming NATO Summit. Austin and Shapps “previewed discussions about NATO’s central role in maintaining transatlantic security, as members of the alliance prepare for next month’s meeting of NATO defense ministers in Brussels,” the statement added.

On the Israel-Palestine conflict, Austin said, “We share the view that Israel must be able to defend itself from Hamas’ terrorism in accordance with international law,” adding that “We also believe that Israel has a duty to avoid harming Palestinian civilians and that the people of Gaza urgently need far more humanitarian assistance.”

Met with UK Defense Secretary @grantshapps today to discuss support for Ukraine, freedom of navigation and maritime security in the Red Sea, and the recent attack on U.S. forces in Jordan. The United States will hold accountable those responsible for the attack. pic.twitter.com/GWukm6JBIg

— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) February 1, 2024

During his visit to Washington, Shapps also met with U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. According to the Downing Street spokesperson, the defense secretary discussed the bilateral defense cooperation and the ongoing situation in the Middle East.