Thursday, August 13, 2026 UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Edition Independent Journalism
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Arab States Push US, Iran to Uphold Peace Deal as Mideast Tensions Rise

Arab States Push US, Iran to Uphold Peace Deal as Mideast Tensions Rise

Egypt and UAE urge Washington and Tehran to maintain compliance with existing accord amid regional instability.

CAIRO — Egypt and the United Arab Emirates are pressing Washington and Tehran to honor their existing accord, a move aimed at protecting the broader Middle East from the consequences of escalating conflict. The call for renewed compliance with the Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran came as the two Arab states intensified their diplomatic outreach on Thursday, according to statements from Egypt’s Foreign Ministry.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr. Badr Abdelatty and UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan spoke by phone to coordinate positions on a range of regional crises and bilateral matters. The conversation reflected what both governments described as their shared commitment to de-escalation and the protection of international shipping routes and maritime safety, two concerns with direct consequences for civilian populations and global commerce.

The two ministers emphasized the critical importance of restraint and the application of international law as a foundation for stability. They stressed the need to intensify efforts aimed at containing tensions before they spread further, signaling concern that the current trajectory could pull additional actors into active conflict.

Gaza and the West Bank dominated portions of the discussion. Cairo and Abu Dhabi affirmed their support for the implementation of the first phase of the Trump administration’s peace plan for Gaza, which both countries view as essential to stabilizing the territory and creating conditions for subsequent phases. They called on Israel to cease escalatory actions in the West Bank, rejecting any measures they said would undermine the possibility of a two-state solution. The ministers underlined the importance of maintaining the territorial integrity of Palestinian lands across both Gaza and the West Bank, framing the issue in terms of rights and long-term civilian welfare.

Meanwhile, the Sudan crisis also featured prominently in the conversation. Both foreign ministers reviewed the latest developments in the ongoing conflict and acknowledged the regional and international efforts underway to address it. They stressed the necessity of continued coordination to support Sudan’s security and stability while alleviating the humanitarian toll on the Sudanese population. That humanitarian dimension, the suffering of ordinary Sudanese citizens caught in the conflict, received explicit attention from both sides.

The phone call took place within the framework of regular consultation and coordination between Egypt and the UAE on bilateral relations and regional developments. Both countries have positioned themselves as key mediators and stakeholders in Middle Eastern affairs, and the conversation underscored their intention to maintain close alignment on multiple fronts.

On their own bilateral relationship, the two ministers praised the depth and strategic character of their ties. They reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening cooperative frameworks across various sectors and building on the momentum that has characterized recent years of engagement. Both governments expressed determination to continue leveraging their partnership to advance mutual interests and support their respective peoples.

The ministers concluded by agreeing to maintain close coordination and consultation in the coming period on issues of shared concern, with the explicit goal of supporting regional security and stability. The statement from Egypt’s Foreign Ministry made clear that the two Arab states intend to remain actively engaged across the range of crises and diplomatic challenges defining the current regional environment. Whether that engagement translates into measurable relief for affected civilian populations across Gaza, the West Bank, and Sudan remains the central question.

Q&A

What is the primary public interest concern driving Egypt and the UAE's diplomatic push?

Protection of civilian populations and the broader Middle East from escalating conflict, including humanitarian consequences in Gaza, the West Bank, and Sudan.

How do maritime safety and international shipping routes connect to this diplomatic effort?

Both Egypt and the UAE emphasized that protection of international shipping routes and maritime safety have direct consequences for civilian populations and global commerce, making de-escalation essential.

What specific territorial and rights issues did the ministers address regarding Palestinians?

The ministers called for maintaining the territorial integrity of Palestinian lands across Gaza and the West Bank, rejecting escalatory actions by Israel and emphasizing the importance of a two-state solution for long-term civilian welfare.

What humanitarian dimension received explicit attention in the discussion of Sudan?

Both foreign ministers stressed the necessity of addressing the humanitarian toll on the Sudanese population caught in the ongoing conflict, acknowledging the suffering of ordinary citizens as a key concern.