The conflict that began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran, killing the Islamic republic's supreme leader, is now in its seventh day, drawing in nations beyond the region and causing havoc in the energy and transport sectors.

Countries around the Gulf have been hit by strikes, with Saudi Arabia -- a longstanding rival of Iran -- reporting it had intercepted a cruise missile and three drones on Friday.

Starmer spoke to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and assured him "the UK stood ready to support the defence of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia should it be needed," the PM's spokeswoman said.

"The leaders also discussed stepping up intelligence cooperation to support defensive operations and protect civilians," the spokeswoman said.

Britain is sending four extra Typhoon fighter jets to Qatar to strengthen "defensive operations" and will also deploy HMS Dragon, an air defence destroyer, though it is not expected to sail until next week.

A British air force base in Cyprus came under attack from an Iranian-made drone on Monday -- probably launched from Lebanon by the pro-Iranian group Hezbollah, according to the Cypriot government.

Starmer has come under fire from some opposition voices at home who accuse him of being too slow to respond to the Middle East war.

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