Oct 21, 2026
Secretary of State Marco Rubio convened with Gulf Cooperation Council foreign ministers in Manama on June 25, 2026, to discuss a broader Iran agreement including curbs on missiles and proxies, while reaffirming US-Gulf partnerships and addressing regional issues in Syria, Lebanon, and Gaza.
The annual Hajj pilgrimage officially began in Saudi Arabia with over 1.5 million foreign pilgrims gathering in Makkah, facing temperatures reaching 45°C and heightened security concerns linked to ongoing war involving Iran.
The United Arab Emirates unsuccessfully lobbied Gulf nations including Saudi Arabia and Qatar to join a coordinated military response against Iran following Tehran's attacks on Gulf infrastructure. Saudi Arabia and other states declined to participate in offensive operations.
The United Arab Emirates denied Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a secret visit to the country, contradicting Israeli claims, while reports confirm Mossad chief visited the UAE at least twice during Israel's military campaign against Iran to coordinate war efforts.
Iraqi President tasked businessman and political outsider Ali al-Zaidi with forming a new government after months of gridlock. The appointment came after Trump opposed the nomination of pro-Iran former PM al-Maliki.
The United Arab Emirates is willing to deploy troops and use force to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, according to Arab officials cited by The Wall Street Journal. The UAE is lobbying for a UN Security Council resolution to authorize a multinational force to break Iran's chokehold on the strategic waterway.
American freelance journalist Shelly Kittleson was abducted in broad daylight in Baghdad, with US officials stating a suspect has ties to Iran-backed militia group Kataib Hezbollah. The State Department says it is working to ensure her release as soon as possible.