US-UAE deepens military ties as Mideast tensions over Gaza war soar and despite Sudan war friction.
United States President Joe Biden has designated the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a “major defense partner,” deepening military ties even despite friction over the war in Sudan and as deadly tensions ratch up in the Middle East.
The designation was announced on Monday, which followed a White House meeting between Biden and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The UAE became the second country, as the Biden administration had given the designation to India way back in 2021.
The White House said the designation would “further enhance defense cooperation and security in the Middle East, East Africa, and the Indian Ocean regions.”
It went on to add that it would further “enable unprecedented cooperation through joint training, exercises, and military-to-military collaboration between the military forces of the United States, the UAE, and India, as well as other common military partners, in furtherance of regional stability.”
The attack came as Israel stepped up its bombings of Lebanon. At least 492 people, including 35 children, were killed on Monday in Israeli attacks on the territory, which it said were targeting Hezbollah military infrastructure.
My team is in constant contact with their counterparts, and we’re working to de-escalate so that people can return to their homes safely,” Biden said during a photo opportunity in the Oval Office.
