Full Breakdown
UAE President Engages Multiple Leaders on Regional Security and Bilateral Cooperation Amid Iran Conflict
5/12/2026, 12:17:04 AM
Diplomatic Outreach Overview
In early May 2026, President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held phone calls with foreign leaders. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy discussed assistance in repatriating Ukrainians held by Russia and war in Iran, and shared Ukraine’s drone-countering expertise. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov urged the UAE to support US-Iran negotiations. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reaffirmed Turkey’s support for UAE sovereignty and explored trade, energy and security cooperation. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned recent Iranian attacks on UAE facilities and expressed solidarity.
Background: Iran Conflict and Regional Tensions
The calls occur against a backdrop of heightened Iran-related hostilities. Iranian attacks on civilian targets in the UAE have been reported, while diplomatic efforts aim to prevent escalation between the US and Iran. Regional actors, including Ukraine, Turkey and Russia, are adjusting bilateral ties to address fallout and support diplomatic pathways toward de-escalation.
Key Leaders, Agreements, and Initiatives
The discussions involved five principal figures: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and President Joseph Aoun. Ukraine and the UAE signed a 10-year defence cooperation agreement that includes drone-countering expertise. Turkey and the UAE continue to operate under a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement effective March 2023, with plans to expand trade, energy and security collaboration. Both leaders highlighted the upcoming SAHA Expo 2026 in Istanbul, a defence and aerospace exhibition intended to deepen bilateral industrial ties.
Official Statements & Responses
Zelenskiy thanked the UAE for reciprocal implementation of agreements and highlighted Ukrainian energy support. Lavrov’s ministry called on the UAE to back US-Iran talks to prevent renewed hostilities. Erdogan emphasized dialogue and cooperation to address regional security and pursue a diplomatic solution to the US-Iran dispute. Aoun reiterated Lebanon’s condemnation of Iranian attacks and pledged continued support for UAE security and development. The UAE signaled its intent to coordinate defence and economic cooperation while seeking regional stability.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I was glad to hear that Ukrainian expertise is truly helping to build reliable protection for lives. We discussed continuing this work,” — Volodymyr Zelenskiy, President of Ukraine
- “The Russian side emphasized the need to focus on supporting the ongoing negotiations between Iran and the USA,” — Sergey Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister
- “During the call, Erdogan said Türkiye attaches importance to enhancing bilateral cooperation with the UAE in several fields, particularly trade, energy, and security.” — Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of Turkey
- “During which he renewed his condemnation of Iranian terrorist attacks targeting civilians and civilian facilities in the UAE.” — Joseph Aoun, President of Lebanon
What’s Next
The UAE will host delegations at SAHA Expo 2026 in Istanbul, showcasing defence and aerospace collaborations. The 10-year Ukraine-UAE defence pact moves toward operationalization, while both Turkey and Lebanon have signaled plans for follow-up meetings on trade and security. Parallel diplomatic efforts to sustain US-Iran negotiations remain a priority for the UAE and its partners.
