Former President Donald Trump is facing allegations of aggravating tensions between two key U.S. allies, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia, following a secretive phone call in November. According to a report by The New York Times, Trump communicated with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed after a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, suggesting that the crown prince had requested sanctions against the Emirati government.
As both the UAE and Saudi Arabia have been backing opposing factions in regional conflicts, notably in Yemen and Sudan, Trump’s actions have reportedly exacerbated their relationship. In the call, Trump informed the Emirati leader that the Saudi crown prince had expressed a desire for sanctions against the UAE, an assertion that has been met with varying accounts from Saudi officials. Some indicated that the sanctions were aimed at the paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces linked to the UAE rather than the country itself.
This insider information allegedly stirred discontent among senior Emirati officials, who are now convinced that the Saudi crown prince sought measures directly against the UAE. Consequently, tensions have further escalated, culminating in a series of military actions that have raised concerns about potential conflicts and security issues in the region. A strike launched by a UAE-supported group near the Saudi border highlighted these escalating hostilities, as Saudi Arabia deemed this an infringement on their national security.
Despite this tumult, Trump has claimed that he possesses the unique ability to mend these rifts. In a recent appearance, he dismissed his involvement in the UAE-Saudi discord, asserting that resolving such disputes is “an easy one” for him. He confidently stated his history of successfully mediating conflicts, suggesting that he could bring a peaceful resolution to the current situation.
As the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East continues to shift, the implications of Trump’s phone call might linger, affecting U.S. foreign relations in the region.