DUBAI, United Arab Emirates: President Donald Trump has spoken by phone with the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
That’s according to a US official who wasn’t authorized to discuss the call publicly and requested anonymity.
Details about what was discussed on the call weren’t immediately available. But the call is the first known contact between Trump and Qatar’s ruler since a diplomatic crisis broke out in the Arabian Gulf earlier this week. Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and other Arab nations cut off relations with Qatar after accusing it of supporting terrorism.
The call suggests Trump may be playing a significant mediating role in the crisis. On Tuesday, Trump spoke with Saudi Arabia’s King Salman. The White House says Trump emphasized the need for unity among Arabian Gulf countries.
In Dubai, Kuwait’s emir met two top officials in the United Arab Emirates to try and mediate a growing diplomatic crisis over Qatar.
Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah arrived in Dubai on Wednesday. His visit comes after he traveled to Saudi Arabia earlier to meet with King Salman.
The state-run WAM news agency said Sheikh Sabah met with Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Dubai’s ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who also serves as prime minister and vice president of the UAE.
The WAM report gave no details about their discussions.
Trump speaks to Qatar’s ruler amid Gulf crisis
Trump speaks to Qatar’s ruler amid Gulf crisis
