Steve Aiken: Insights from Ex-Royal Navy Commander on the Middle East Crisis 🚢

The former Royal Navy nuclear submarine commander and current Ulster Unionist Party MLA Steve Aiken gives his analysis of the situation in the Middle East. He does not believe Nato is at risk, but is more vital than ever. Mr Aiken was speaking from the Ulster Unionist Party conference at the Crowne Plaza hotel at Shaw's Bridge in south Belfast while the peace agreement between the US, Israel and Hamas was being finalised. Video by Ben Lowry, Belfast News Letter editor on Saturday October 13 2025 <br /> <br />Is the world order shifting? This analysis dives into the evolving global landscape, arguing that the focus is moving from the Middle East to Europe. The discussion highlights concerns about escalating conflict in Ukraine and hybrid warfare tactics. <br /><br />Discover why the speaker believes NATO is more vital than ever. The conversation addresses doubts about America's commitment to collective defense and emphasizes NATO's current actions to counter Russian influence. Learn about ongoing combat air patrols, naval operations, and efforts to address drone threats. <br /><br />#NATO #UkraineConflict #GlobalSecurity #Putin