The United Kingdom is preparing an agreement to provide defensive military assistance to Saudi Arabia to counter repeated attacks from the Iran-backed Houthis. Prime Minister Andy Burnham is offering support such as aerial refuelling and will urge other governments to provide similar aid.

The initiative seeks to stabilize the region and reduce risks to commercial shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb strait. This agreement marks one of the first major military decisions for Burnham since he became prime minister in July.