Witkoff and UAE Security Chief Discuss Iranian Crisis in Secret Meeting
White House envoy Steve Witkoff held a secret meeting last weekend with United Arab Emirates National Security Adviser Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Zayed al Nahyan to address the ongoing Iranian crisis. This meeting, which was not publicly announced by the White House, took place on the Mediterranean island of Sardinia. It is part of the Trump administration's broader strategy to restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz while intensifying economic pressure on Tehran.
The UAE has become a crucial ally in the U.S.-led initiative to reopen the strait and ensure the safe passage of oil tankers. Additionally, Abu Dhabi plays a significant role in the administration's campaign to economically isolate Iran. Sheikh Tahnoon, often referred to as TBZ, is a prominent figure in the UAE government, serving as the brother of UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed and overseeing national security and investment interests.
During their discussions, Witkoff and Sheikh Tahnoon explored potential next steps regarding the Iranian situation, among other topics. The White House did not respond to requests for comments regarding the meeting.
This meeting occurred shortly after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced "Operation Economic Outcast," aimed at targeting countries and entities that engage in business with Iran, which could lead to severe sanctions. Reports indicate that Bessent had communicated with Sheikh Tahnoon prior to the announcement.
On the same day as Witkoff's meeting, the Treasury Department took measures to exclude the UAE branches of Egypt's Banque Misr from the U.S. financial system due to their dealings with Iran. This proposed action would prevent these branches from conducting transactions in U.S. dollars. The UAE central bank has stated it will conduct an urgent review of transactions between the Egyptian bank's branches and Iran.
In a significant policy shift, the UAE recently decided to suspend all trade and financial transactions with Iran, marking a departure from its previous role as a major trading partner. In 2024, bilateral trade between the UAE and Iran was valued at $28 billion.
A source familiar with the situation noted that Emirati officials had informed the Trump administration that an effective economic campaign against Iran would require targeting all major countries involved in trade with the Islamic Republic.
Bessent emphasized that the U.S. intends to tighten economic pressure on Iran until it agrees to a peace deal with President Trump. He stated that the campaign would also focus on Iranian assets abroad linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). During a discussion with G20 finance ministers, Bessent highlighted efforts to identify and freeze Iranian assets globally, including those in the British Virgin Islands and luxury properties.
Bessent asserted, "We are going to economically asphyxiate this regime," indicating a firm stance on the U.S. strategy towards Iran. He also mentioned ongoing tracking of IRGC assets, reinforcing the U.S. commitment to targeting these financial connections.
