UAE, Jordan leaders hold crisis talks as region braces for wider war

2026-03-18 - 05:30

The president of the United Arab Emirates welcomed Jordan's monarch to Dubai on Tuesday for high-level talks focused on containing the widening regional conflict, as Iranian missile strikes continue to target Gulf nations hosting American military assets. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and King Abdullah II discussed "regional developments and ways to reduce tensions," according to an official statement from the Jordanian Royal Court. Arab States Reject War The two leaders issued a joint reaffirmation that Arab nations are not participants in the ongoing hostilities and did not initiate the current confrontation. "Arab states are not party to the war and did not start it; on the contrary, they are trying to contain the crisis and prevent the region from being dragged into a broader conflict," the statement emphasized. King Abdullah reiterated that Jordan continues taking all necessary measures to protect its citizens and ensure national security and stability amid the escalating violence. Diplomatic Push The meeting focused on intensifying joint Arab initiatives aimed at restoring stability and strengthening coordination with international actors to achieve a sustainable de-escalation process. Both leaders stressed "the necessity of resorting to dialogue and diplomacy to end the conflict" while condemning any attacks targeting their nations' sovereignty. King Abdullah specifically warned against exploiting current developments to restrict worship freedom at Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque or create new realities in the occupied West Bank and Gaza. Social Media Controversy A photograph of the two leaders meeting during Ramadan with water bottles and refreshments visible on the table drew criticism on social media platforms. The image, reportedly taken during daylight hours in the holy month when Muslims traditionally fast from dawn to sunset, sparked debate among users who questioned the appropriateness of the setting. Neither leadership has commented on the social media reaction.