Trump, UAE President discuss Middle East tensions amid Iran diplomacy deadlock

During the call, the two leaders exchanged views on the latest developments in the Middle East and ongoing efforts to address them. They also discussed strengthening ties between the UAE and the United States in support of their mutual interests.

The conversation followed the expiry of a 60-day window intended for a broader US-Iran agreement, with significant differences remaining between Washington and Tehran. Iran's Parliament Speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, stated that the strategic waterway would remain closed until Washington met Tehran's demands, including lifting restrictions on Iranian ports and oil exports, releasing frozen assets, and ending military operations and threats.

The US has indicated it will not extend the interim arrangement, while a senior Iranian official warned of a potential "fully offensive" military posture if diplomacy fails. These developments have amplified fears of escalation in the Gulf.

This comes after the UAE accused Iran of attacking an ADNOC-operated tanker transiting the Strait of Hormuz, marking the third such incident on an ADNOC vessel within a week. Iran has previously denied targeting commercial vessels. Shipping through the strait has significantly decreased amid the confrontation, impacting energy exports and raising global supply concerns.