Washington: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has spoken over the phone with UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan amid the deadly attacks attributed to Iran, the State Department said. Rubio expressed condolences for those killed in what the statement described as Iran's 'indiscriminate attacks' on the UAE and reaffirmed the US commitment to the security of the Emirates.

According to Anadolu Agency, Rubio's conversation with Sheikh Abdullah focused on the recent escalation in the Middle East following Iran's retaliatory strikes. The tensions have heightened since the US and Israel's joint offensive on Iran on February 28, which resulted in significant casualties, including the death of Iran's then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Iran's response has included drone and missile strikes targeting several countries, including Israel and Gulf states, as well as US military assets in the region. These actions have led to casualties, infrastructure damage, and disruptions in global markets and aviation. The situation continues to develop as international stakeholders monitor the unfolding events.