ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, Middle East: US-UAE-Iran tensions intensified after Marco Rubio and Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed discussed regional security following a reported missile incident.
The US State Department said Rubio spoke with the UAE national security adviser by phone on August 18. The officials discussed Iran and Lebanon, as well as continued US-UAE security coordination, according to the department.
Meanwhile, Rubio stressed the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open to navigation. The call followed a UAE announcement suspending trade exchanges and financial transactions with Iran until further notice.
Abu Dhabi said it acted after two ballistic missiles were launched from Iran toward the Gulf state.
Regional tensions have remained high since joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran in February. Tehran later carried out attacks on countries hosting US military assets.
Read: UAE says Iran Launched Two Ballistic Missiles Toward Country
Diplomatic efforts have also stalled. Iran and the United States signed a memorandum of understanding in June, with Pakistan mediating.
However, disputes over the agreement and navigation through the Strait of Hormuz have blocked further progress.
