Britons will feel 'reverberations' and the 'burden' of Iran's ongoing war, Defence Minister warns

The minister explained that the conflict has severed access to substantial global energy supplies and critical minerals, placing considerable strain on the UK.

In response, the Prime Minister convened a Cobra meeting days ago to assess cross-government implications and establish protective measures for the public.

"This war in Iran has cut off a large chunk of the world's energy resources," Mr Carns said.

Regarding Britain's position on the war itself, Mr Carns made clear the government has no desire to be directly involved in military decision-making.

He explained: "We don't want a seat at the table in something we don't know how it's going to end, and we don't have a clear understanding of the plan."

However, diplomatic efforts remain a priority, with the UK actively pursuing de-escalation through international channels.

The Strait of Hormuz has emerged as a central focus of these efforts, given its critical importance for global energy transit.

Mr Carns outlined the Government's approach: "How can we collectively support an international commitment to support shipping going into the Middle East and importantly, coming out that will affect both oil and gas prices and a variety of other minerals?"

On the broader question of energy security, the Defence Minister emphasised the need for Britain to accelerate its transition to renewable sources.

He stressed that continued operations in the North Sea remain essential to maintaining diverse energy capabilities.

"We've got to move on a green transition, and we've got to continue to do what we're doing in the North Sea to ensure that we have a plethora of capabilities that sustain energy prices and don't allow them to fluctuate to the point of where they become unaffordable," Mr Carns told GB News.

The minister's comments reflect growing concerns about price volatility as the Iran conflict disrupts traditional supply routes.

Ensuring affordability for British households appears central to the Government's energy strategy during this period of international instability.

Turning to the defence of British military installations in Cyprus, Mr Carns praised the extraordinary work being undertaken by personnel stationed there.

"It's amazing what the RAF regiment are doing in certain parts of the globe right now, shooting down drones on a daily basis. It's phenomenal," he said.

The minister confirmed that substantial military assets were deployed to Cyprus before hostilities commenced and subsequently reinforced.

He noted that protecting static airfields requires ground-based air defence systems rather than naval vessels.

Mr Carns criticised the previous administration for reducing funding to such capabilities by 70 per cent, though he added: "There's no point looking back. This is about looking forward."