Washington: Thunayan bin Zayed and Rubio discussed coordination to hold Iran and its terrorist proxies accountable
The U.S. Department of State announced that Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a telephone conversation with Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE National Security Advisor, on Tuesday night, discussing “a number of regional security issues” and coordinating “to hold Iran and its terrorist proxies accountable for ongoing attacks.” He also emphasized “the importance of freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.”
For her part, Afra Al Hammadi, Director of Strategic Communications at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed that Abu Dhabi denies all allegations regarding the status of its economic relations with Iran.
In a statement published by the WAM News Agency, she said that the UAE “reiterates its firm commitment to dialogue, cooperation, and regional integration, as essential means to enhance peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.”
She added, “In light of regional escalation that has undermined regional and international peace and security, all commercial activities, trade exchanges, and financial transactions with Iran have been suspended, until further notice.”
The announcement of the measure came after the UAE accused Iran of firing two missiles toward it, which were targeting “maritime navigation.” It clarified that one missile fell within its territorial waters, while the other fell outside.
In this context, Anwar Gargash, the UAE President’s Diplomatic Advisor, wrote that “certain targeted platforms are circulating false information about the UAE, while the country continues to focus its efforts on addressing regional developments and preparing for the post-crisis phase.”
He considered that “the best response to such allegations is through action and tangible achievements on the ground.”
He affirmed that “rumors circulating, such as those concerning the cancellation of residency permits for expatriate workers or providing financial facilitations to Iran and others, are incorrect and part of desperate media campaigns.”
