Trump’s Call Ignites Feud Between Saudi Arabia and UAE Over Sudan Conflict
A phone call from former U.S. President Donald Trump to UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan last November has reportedly exacerbated tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, stemming from differing support for factions in the Sudanese civil war. The revelation centers on allegations that Saudi Arabia requested Trump to impose sanctions on the UAE due to its backing of Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Trump’s Intermediary Role
According to a report by The New York Times, Trump informed Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had asked him to sanction the UAE over its support for the RSF . This message followed a visit by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the White House. Trump reportedly stated at a Saudi-US business forum, “His Majesty would like me to do something very powerful having to do with Sudan,” and pledged to “start working on it” .
Saudi Arabia and UAE’s Conflicting Interests in Sudan
Initially, Saudi Arabia positioned itself as a mediator in the conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese army led by Abdul Fattah al-Burhan. Though, as the UAE provided support to the RSF, Riyadh shifted its allegiance to the Sudanese army, aligning with Egypt and Turkey . Both the RSF and the Sudanese army have faced accusations of war crimes, with the RSF’s actions in Darfur being particularly egregious, characterized by rape and mass slaughter.
Saudi Complaints and UAE Response
Reports indicate that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent a letter to UAE National Security Advisor Tahnoon bin Zayed, detailing complaints about the UAE’s activities in both Sudan and Yemen . The letter reportedly included an offer of mediation but also expressed shock at the UAE’s belief that Saudi Arabia had lobbied the U.S. For sanctions.
The tensions culminated in December when Saudi Arabia reportedly bombed a shipment of Emirati weapons destined for Yemen, allegedly in response to the UAE’s support for the RSF . The Saudi leadership reportedly believes the UAE backed a sweeping offensive by secessionist forces in Yemen due to the belief that the kingdom had requested sanctions from the U.S.
Trump’s Assurance to the UAE
According to The New York Times, Trump told Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed that “his friends were out to receive him, but that [Trump] had his back” .
Current Status
As of February 2026, Trump has not imposed sanctions on the UAE, even though the U.S. Did announce new sanctions on RSF commanders last week . The U.S. Department of the Treasury also acknowledged that an RSF commander’s brother is using an Emirati ID alongside a Kenyan passport.