Archive · 19 Aug 2026
Rubio and UAE Security Chief Discuss Iran and Hormuz
Marco Rubio spoke by phone with Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates.
They talked about safety problems in the Middle East.
Iran, Lebanon and the Strait of Hormuz were part of the conversation.
The Strait is an important waterway for ships carrying energy supplies.
The United States and the UAE discussed working together against attacks blamed on Iran and groups supported by Tehran.
The State Department did not explain which attacks they meant.
It also did not say whether the officials made new agreements.
The call showed that Washington and Abu Dhabi are continuing to coordinate on regional security.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and UAE National Security Advisor Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan held a telephone call.
The officials discussed Iran, Lebanon, regional security and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Washington and Abu Dhabi reviewed joint efforts to hold Iran and its terrorist proxies accountable for ongoing attacks.
The State Department did not specify which attacks were discussed or outline possible measures.
No specific decisions or additional diplomatic and security steps were announced after the call.
- Who
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and UAE National Security Advisor Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
- What
- They discussed Iran, Lebanon, regional security, Strait of Hormuz navigation and efforts to hold Iran and its terrorist proxies accountable for ongoing attacks.
- When
- During a telephone call; the article does not provide a date.
- Where
- The call involved officials from Washington and Abu Dhabi; the article does not specify where either official was located.
- Why
- To review regional security issues and continue US-UAE coordination amid tensions involving Iran and Tehran-backed groups.
- Participants
- Marco Rubio and Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan
- Countries involved
- United States and United Arab Emirates
- Main topics
- Iran, Lebanon, regional security and the Strait of Hormuz
- Maritime concern
- Rubio emphasized freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
- Accountability efforts
- The officials discussed joint efforts to hold Iran and its terrorist proxies accountable for ongoing attacks.
- Announced decisions
- No specific decisions or further diplomatic or security measures were announced.
- Statement source
- The details were provided in a State Department readout issued by Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott.