The United States and United Arab Emirates announced Wednesday afternoon the start of a new defense pact that will see the Trump administration bolster military coordination between the two countries at a time when many Arab nations are seeking help to combat a rising threat from Iran.
White House National Security Adviser John Bolton, who has been in the UAE for high-level talks, has brought the UAE into a Defense Cooperation Act to help it battle regional militants and other terror forces seeking to foment instability in the region.
"The DCA will enhance military coordination between the United States and the United Arab Emirates, further advancing an already robust military, political, and economic partnership at a critical time," the White House said in a joint statement with the UAE. "The United States and the United Arab Emirates share a deep interest in promoting prosperity and stability in the region. The DCA will advance that interest by fostering closer collaboration on defense and security matters and supporting efforts by both nations to maintain security in the Gulf region."
The Trump administration has been seeking to boost its regional partnerships with countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia who view Iran as a threat and are seeking to work with the United States to counter its malevolent activities.