President Donald Trump showered praise on UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during a bilateral meeting on Tuesday, calling him a “warrior” and a “man of great respect” as the two leaders met on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France.
The meeting, which lasted less than 15 minutes, came hours after Trump held separate discussions with Qatar’s Emir and participated in broader sessions involving G7 and Middle Eastern leaders, with the newly announced U.S.-Iran agreement dominating conversations throughout the day.
“I just want to say His Highness is a warrior,” Trump said, speaking alongside Sheikh Mohamed. “He was there fighting. He did what had to be done. He’s known as a brave man.” The U.S. President added: “The relationship has been outstanding, and it’s an honor to be with you.”
‘A Record’ Investment
Trump highlighted the depth of the U.S.-UAE economic partnership, noting that the UAE has invested $19.3 trillion in the United States, “which is a record.” He added that the investment is being used to do “things that have never been done.” The UAE has emerged as one of Washington’s closest security and economic partners in the Gulf and was a key participant in the Abraham Accords signed in 2020.
Iran Deal Takes Spotlight
The discussion centered heavily on the recently signed U.S.-Iran agreement, which Trump described as already producing tangible results. “We just signed a deal with Iran, and this country was a very powerful ally,” Trump said. “Ships are starting to move now. Oil is starting to go and prices are coming down rapidly.”
Trump emphasized the deal’s core objective: “Most importantly, Iran will not have a nuclear weapon.” He expressed hope that the Strait of Hormuz would be fully reopened by Friday, a development that could ease concerns over global energy supplies.
Light-Hearted Exchange
Sheikh Mohamed thanked Trump for U.S. support during the recent conflict, saying: “Thank you for your support, your commitment to your friend, to your allies. Without your support, your commitment, Mr. President, not only my country, but the Middle East would be a different situation today.”
The Emirati leader’s brief remarks prompted a characteristically playful response from Trump. “See when you’re that rich you can speak that low,” Trump joked, drawing laughter from those present.
Looking Ahead
Trump also expressed optimism about expanding the Abraham Accords, suggesting more countries would eventually join the framework. “I think they will all start coming in,” he said.
The bilateral followed a broader working lunch involving G7 leaders and Middle Eastern counterparts, where leaders discussed regional security, the Iran agreement, and other topics including the FIFA World Cup. Trump also engaged with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and French President Emmanuel Macron during the summit.
