13 May,2026 12:43 PM IST | Abu Dhabi | mid-day online correspondent
Donald Trump. Pic/AFP
US President Donald Trump held a phone conversation with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss bilateral relations and the evolving security situation in West Asia.
According to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the two leaders reviewed strategic cooperation between the United States and the United Arab Emirates and explored ways to further strengthen ties in areas of mutual interest.
The discussion also focused on recent developments in the Middle East amid rising tensions linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran and regional security concerns.
The UAE and the US maintain close defence, economic and strategic partnerships, with cooperation spanning energy, trade, counterterrorism and regional stability initiatives.
Separately, President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan also spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman over the phone.
According to WAM, the two leaders discussed bilateral cooperation and coordination between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, along with the broader regional situation.
They also reviewed the implications of the ongoing tensions in West Asia on regional and international peace and security.
The conversation comes at a time when Gulf nations are closely monitoring developments linked to the Iran conflict and increasing instability across the region.
Meanwhile, Qatar condemned the infiltration of an armed group allegedly linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) into Kuwait's Bubiyan Island.
According to Qatar's Foreign Ministry, the armed group attempted to carry out hostile activities before being intercepted by Kuwaiti security forces. The confrontation reportedly resulted in injuries to a member of the Kuwaiti military.
Qatar strongly criticised the incident and called for an immediate halt to what it described as Iranian attacks against neighbouring countries.
In an official statement, Qatar termed the incident a "flagrant breach of international law" and warned that such actions posed a serious threat to regional stability and security.
At the same time, Iran continued to criticise Washington's role in the conflict.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the "lack of good faith and dishonesty" by the United States remained the biggest obstacle to ending the conflict.
According to Iranian state broadcaster Press TV, Araghchi made the remarks during a meeting in Tehran with Norway's deputy foreign minister.
He accused the US of adopting provocative policies and argued that American actions were preventing progress towards a lasting peace settlement.
The latest diplomatic engagements highlight growing concern among Gulf nations over the rapidly evolving security situation in West Asia.
Countries across the region have intensified consultations and diplomatic outreach as fears rise over wider instability, disruptions to maritime trade routes and the broader economic consequences of the conflict.
Global powers and regional allies are continuing efforts to prevent further escalation, even as tensions involving Iran, the United States and several Gulf countries remain high.
(With inputs from Agencies)
