ABU DHABI, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Top diplomats of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the United States held a phone call Friday to discuss regional developments and bilateral relations.
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE deputy prime minister and foreign minister, spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the UAE's official WAM news agency reported.
On Gaza's situation, the UAE minister stressed the need to strengthen humanitarian aid to civilians and reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to peace, stability, and development in the region. The two also discussed the civil war in Sudan. Sheikh Abdullah called for an immediate, unconditional ceasefire and supported a transition to an independent civilian government free from the control of warring factions.
They also discussed key regional developments, WAM added, giving no further details.
The call comes amid heightened U.S.-Iran tensions. U.S. President Donald Trump said a "massive armada," led by the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln, is heading toward Iran, warning that "time is running out" for Tehran to reach a deal with Washington. On Friday, Trump said he has set a deadline for Iran and communicated it directly to Tehran.
On Monday, the UAE said it would not allow its airspace, territory, or waters to be used for hostile military actions against Iran, reaffirming its commitment to neutrality and regional stability. ■
