Trump says he could 'easily' resolve Saudi-UAE rift but won't intervene

US President Donald Trump has asserted that he could "easily" bridge the divide between Gulf allies Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, though he has no intention of doing so at present. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump acknowledged the rift exists, saying, "We can get it settled very easily," but when pressed on whether he would personally intervene, he replied that he had no such plans.

Context of the Gulf Tensions

The rift stems from disagreements over the protracted conflict in Yemen, where both nations have been key players in the anti-Houthi coalition. Tensions escalated after the UAE withdrew its forces following clashes involving the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a separatist group it backs, near the Saudi border. Riyadh accused Abu Dhabi of supporting separatist advances, a charge the UAE denied. The dispute led to a complete UAE withdrawal from Yemen, marking one of the most significant fractures within the anti-Houthi alliance in years.

Trump's Hands-Off Approach to Regional Mediation

While Trump projected confidence in his ability to resolve the matter, his reluctance to engage reflects a broader hands-off approach to regional diplomacy. This stance contrasts with his previous administration's close alignment with Gulf monarchies and his recent peace-brokering efforts in other conflicts. The decision to leave the Saudis and Emiratis to manage their differences without US mediation could prolong instability within the coalition fighting the Houthis.

Implications for the Yemen Conflict and Regional Stability

The unresolved tensions between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi weaken the unified front against the Houthi rebels, who control the Yemeni capital Sanaa and large swaths of the country. The rift complicates efforts to find a political solution to Yemen's devastating war and could allow Iran-backed Houthi forces to gain further ground. Trump's comments suggest Washington is content to let its two key Gulf partners navigate their differences independently, despite the potential strategic consequences.