London: The United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom engaged in discussions aimed at enhancing international cooperation to protect maritime routes and promote freedom of global trade. The meeting took place between UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and UK National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell.

According to Anadolu Agency, the official Emirati news agency WAM reported that both sides focused on strengthening international collaboration to safeguard maritime routes. The dialogue also covered regional developments, particularly the repercussions of Iranian attacks targeting civilian sites and facilities in the UAE using missiles and drones.

Jonathan Powell expressed the UK's solidarity with Abu Dhabi, highlighting the significance of the partnership in ensuring regional stability. The discussions come at a time of heightened tensions, following US and Israeli strikes against Iran on February 28, which led to retaliatory actions by Tehran against Israel and US allies in Gulf countries. These events included the closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

A ceasefire was brokered on April 8 through Pakistani mediation; however, subsequent talks in Islamabad did not yield a lasting agreement. Former US President Donald Trump later extended the truce indefinitely while maintaining a blockade on vessels traveling to or from Iranian ports through the vital waterway.