Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani held a phone conversation with US President Donald Trump, discussing rising regional tensions and calling for urgent de-escalation. The two leaders yesterday also exchanged views on the impact of escalating tensions in West Asia on global energy markets and international supply chains. The Qatari statement said that the Emir further emphasised the need to pursue diplomatic solutions to safeguard regional and global security and stability.
In another major diplomatic move, the United Arab Emirates and Iran have established their first high-level contact since the outbreak of hostilities in February. UAE Vice President Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan held a telephone call yesterday with Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, signalling a cautious return to the negotiating table as a US-led naval blockade tightens its grip on the region. The phone call reported by the state news agency WAM focused explicitly on regional developments and ways to de-escalate tensions.
The rare call between the two countries comes against the backdrop of the UAE having condemned Iran’s attacks on Gulf states, describing them as terrorist acts, while also calling for the unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
