Mohammed bin Zayed discusses Iran and Qatar with US president

US President Donald Trump and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, have held discussions about Iran and Qatar.

The two men also discussed regional developments and opportunities for enhanced co-operation in security and economic issues in their phone conversation, the White House said on Friday.

Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt and Bahrain cut diplomatic and trade ties with Qatar last year for bankrolling and providing comfort for extremists and interfering in the internal affairs of its neighbours.

“The president thanked the crown prince for his close, strategic partnership and for his strong leadership in highlighting ways all GCC states can better counter Iranian destabilising activities and defeat terrorists and extremists,” the White House said.

“The leaders agreed that all GCC states can and should do more to increase co-ordination with each other and with the US, to ensure the peace and prosperity of the people in the region.”

The White House said Sheikh Mohammed, also Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, was to visit Washington, although no date has yet been announced.

“The president and the crown prince look forward to meeting at the White House to continue the discussion on how to further enhance the American-Emirati strategic partnership,” it said.

Mr Trump is to host Qatari emir Sheikh Tamim on Tuesday to try end the diplomatic dispute.

The White House said Mr Trump and Sheikh Mohammed “agreed on the importance of a united GCC”.

The US leader had taken a hard line against Qatar, saying the country needed to scale back its ties with Iran and stop funding extremism.