Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday his willingness to mediate the ongoing dispute between the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, expressing confidence in Washington’s ability to find a swift and smooth resolution.
Trump made the remarks during a press briefing aboard Air Force One, stating, “No, I haven’t engaged, but I will. I can easily resolve this. Yes, there is a disagreement between them, and we can solve it easily.” He added, “I am finding solutions for wars and many disputes between countries, and you’ve noticed that.. this is a conflict that is easy to resolve.”
Trump’s comments come at a time of unprecedented tension in the Gulf between the two largest Arab economies. The dispute escalated late last year, leading to the withdrawal of Emirati forces from Yemen at the request of the legitimate government there.
On January 26, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan declared that there were “differences of opinion between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi,” confirming that “the UAE has decided to withdraw from Yemen, and Saudi Arabia will take responsibility,” in a move he described as laying “the foundational principles to ensure that the relationship continues to be strong and ongoing, serving the interests of all countries in the region.”
This escalation reflects the intertwined regional challenges in the Gulf, with Trump attempting to position himself as a mediator capable of bridging the gaps between the United States’ traditional allies.
