Trump, UAE president discuss ties and Middle East in phone call

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan spoke by phone with US President Donald Trump on Thursday.

The call came as Iran said it had launched missile and drone attacks on US military positions in the UAE and Kuwait.

Did Iran attack US bases in the UAE?

Yes. Iran's army said it had struck US forces and radar systems at Al Minhad Air Base in the UAE with missiles and drones.

It also said it had attacked satellite communications systems, equipment depots and fighter-jet hangars at Ahmad al-Jaber Air Base in Kuwait. Iranian state television carried the military's claims.

What did Trump and the UAE president discuss?

During the call, the two leaders discussed bilateral cooperation and ways to strengthen ties in support of their shared interests, the UAE's state news agency WAM reported.

They also exchanged views on regional developments, particularly the conflict in the Middle East and efforts to address the escalating tensions. WAM did not provide further details.

Why did Iran target the UAE?

The call came hours after Iran's army said it had targeted US military facilities in the UAE and Kuwait, in an escalation that threatens to widen the conflict across the Gulf. There was no immediate confirmation from US officials that the bases had been hit, or details of any damage or casualties.

The UAE, a close US ally and major regional power, was the Gulf state most heavily targeted by Tehran during the early stages of the conflict, which began in February.

Is the conflict likely to spread further across the Gulf?

The latest Iranian claims came as Trump has threatened further US military action against Iran. This has added to concerns that the conflict could spread further across the Gulf and disrupt energy and shipping routes.