Biden, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Discuss Latest Developments

Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. (Reuters)
Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. (Reuters)
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Biden, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Discuss Latest Developments

Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. (Reuters)
Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. (Reuters)

US President Joe Biden held telephone talks on Sunday with Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Discussions focused on several regional and international developments, with the two leaders underscoring the need for cooperation to confront common challenges.

Biden expressed his gratitude to the UAE and its leadership for their support in helping evacuate American diplomats and nationals from Afghanistan, as well as nationals of allied countries and Afghans who hold visas from these countries, reported the Emirati state news agency (WAM).

“We highly appreciate the UAE’s humanitarian efforts in facilitating the safe transit of American citizens, embassies’ employees and foreigners who were evacuated from Kabul on their way to a third country,” said Biden, adding that this stance represents the strong and everlasting partnership between the UAE and the US.

The UAE on Saturday had announced that it has agreed to host 5000 Afghan nationals evacuated from Afghanistan on their way to third countries.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation announced that, following a request from the United States, it would host the Afghans on a temporary basis, after which time they would travel on to other nations.

The evacuees will travel to the UAE from the Afghan capital of Kabul on US aircraft in the coming days.



Oil Spill Affects 12 km of Oman Coast, Masirah Unaffected

Aerial view of oil spilling from the oil tanker Caroline Bezengi into the water, off Al-Qibliyyah island, Hallaniyat Group Of Islands, Oman, August 13, 2026, in this still image taken from a handout video. (Reuters)
Aerial view of oil spilling from the oil tanker Caroline Bezengi into the water, off Al-Qibliyyah island, Hallaniyat Group Of Islands, Oman, August 13, 2026, in this still image taken from a handout video. (Reuters)
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Oil Spill Affects 12 km of Oman Coast, Masirah Unaffected

Aerial view of oil spilling from the oil tanker Caroline Bezengi into the water, off Al-Qibliyyah island, Hallaniyat Group Of Islands, Oman, August 13, 2026, in this still image taken from a handout video. (Reuters)
Aerial view of oil spilling from the oil tanker Caroline Bezengi into the water, off Al-Qibliyyah island, Hallaniyat Group Of Islands, Oman, August 13, 2026, in this still image taken from a handout video. (Reuters)

Oil pollution is affecting about 12 kilometres (7.46 miles) of coastline near Oman's Ras Madraka, while Masirah Island remains unaffected, state news agency ONA said on Saturday after efforts to tackle a spill from a leaking tanker have made progress.

Oil began reaching Oman's coast on Wednesday after spreading at sea for weeks, Reuters reported.

The Environment Authority said response operations were under way and the offshore slick was moving towards open waters.


ADNOC Vessel Attacked Again in Strait of Hormuz

FILE PHOTO: Vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, August 10, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, August 10, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo
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ADNOC Vessel Attacked Again in Strait of Hormuz

FILE PHOTO: Vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, August 10, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, August 10, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo

A tanker owned by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) was attacked while transiting through the Strait of Hormuz, Emirati state-run WAM news agency said Saturday.

The attack happened Friday evening, and there were no injuries, the agency reported.

This is the third such attack on vessels operated by ADNOC in the critical waterway in the last week.

The UAE has previously accused Iran of the attacks.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center said that a bulk carrier was struck by an unknown projectile that hit the hull on Friday. It was not immediately clear if it was the ADNOC vessel.

Shipping has been disrupted and the strait has been virtually closed since the Iran war started on Feb, 28.


Saudi Arabia Condemns Repeated Iranian Attacks on UAE Tankers in Strait of Hormuz

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs logo
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs logo
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Saudi Arabia Condemns Repeated Iranian Attacks on UAE Tankers in Strait of Hormuz

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs logo
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs logo

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the Kingdom's strongest condemnation of the targeting of two ADNOC tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz, describing repeated Iranian attacks against commercial vessels as reprehensible.

In a statement, the ministry stressed that these repeated attacks constitute a dangerous escalation, a direct threat to maritime navigation safety and global energy security, and a grave violation of international law, SPA reported.

It noted that the aggression blatantly defies UN Security Council Resolution 2817, which affirms the freedom of commercial navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and condemns any actions obstructing it.

Holding Iran fully responsible for the consequences of its ongoing violations, the Kingdom demanded an immediate halt to these attacks and adherence to international laws. It emphasized that regional security and maritime safety are shared responsibilities, warning that continuing such actions is intolerable.

Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its full solidarity with the United Arab Emirates, affirming its steadfast support for all measures it takes to protect its sovereignty, security, and resources.