RIYADH, MAY 15: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Friday discussed regional developments during a phone call with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

The Saudi Press Agency reported that the two officials reviewed bilateral ties and areas of joint cooperation.

They also discussed the latest regional and international developments and ongoing efforts aimed at enhancing security and stability, according to the SPA.

ABU DHABI, MAY 15 /DNA/ – Abu Dhabi witnessed a landmark moment in Ethiopian-Arab cultural and intellectual diplomacy on 14 May 2026, as the Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia hosted the official launch of the Arabic edition of “Medemer Mengist” (“Medemer State”) — a seminal philosophical and governance work authored by His Excellency Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed. The event drew significant attendees including UAE cabinet ministers, ambassadors, business leaders, academics, and prominent members of both the Ethiopian and Arab communities – cementing the occasion as one of the most significant Ethiopian cultural events held in the UAE in recent years.

AN EVENING OF DIPLOMACY AND IDEAS

The ceremony was graced by the presence of His Excellency Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Cabinet Member and Minister of State at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Abdullah Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, Minister of Justice, and senior UAE government officials alongside a distinguished gathering ofambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions, and leaders from the private sector and civil society.

In his keynote address, H.E. Sheikh Shakhboot underscored the importance of dialogue and cultural understanding among nations and peoples, while highlighting the strong and steadily growing relations between the two nations. He further reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to deepening its strategic partnership with Ethiopia across cultural, economic, and diplomatic fronts.

H.E. Dr. Jemal Beker Abdula, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the UAE, emphasized the transformative significance of the Arabic translation. He described the publication not merely as a linguistic exercise but as a bridge — an invitation for Arabic-speaking readers across the region to engage directly with Ethiopia’s evolving political philosophy and its vision for the future.

SCHOLARLY DIALOGUE: THE PHILOSOPHY OF MEDEMER

The launch ceremony featured a prominent Ethiopian Scholar, Professor Adem Kamil, who offered a rich intellectual review of Medemer Mengist and its policy dimensions. The scholar highlighted the book’s philosophical grounding in synergy — the principle that collective effort, guided by shared values and inclusive institutions, generates outcomes far greater than the sum of individual parts. He also noted the particular relevance of the Medemer model for Arab-African relations, as both regions navigate questions of development, identity, and regional integration in a rapidly changing global landscape.

A NIGHT OF ETHIOPIAN CULTURE

Beyond its intellectual programme, the evening offered guests a vibrant and immersive experience of Ethiopia’s cultural heritage. Traditional Ethiopian music and dance performances brought the vibrancy of the country’s diverse communities to the heart of Abu Dhabi, while an exquisite selection of Ethiopian culinary offerings allowed guests to savour the country’s storied gastronomic traditions. The cultural programme drew a warm and enthusiastic reception from the audience – many of whom expressed admiration for the depth and beauty of Ethiopia’s artistic heritage. For many attending diplomats and business leaders, the evening offered a first and deeply personal encounter with Ethiopian cultural expression.

A MILESTONE IN ETHIOPIAN-UAE RELATIONS

The launch of Medemer Mengist in Arabic marks a defining moment in the cultural and diplomatic relationship between Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates. As the book reaches Arabic-speaking audiences across the region, the evening stood as a powerful testament to what the two nations are building together: a relationship grounded not only in trade and strategic interest, but in a shared conviction that ideas, culture, and open dialogue are among the most enduring foundations of genuine partnership.

WASHINGTON, MAY 15: US President Donald Trump said Friday that he would accept a 20-year suspension of Iran’s nuclear program if Tehran gave a “real” commitment, apparently walking back his previous demands that Iran permanently halt its program.

Asked by a reporter on Air Force One as he departed China following his two-day summit with President Xi Jinping whether a 20-year suspension would be sufficient, Trump responded, “Twenty years is enough, but the level of guarantee from them, it’s got to be a real 20 years.”

In the past, Trump has demanded that Iran agree to forever cease enrichment, and commit to never seeking nuclear weapons, claiming that he didn’t want to pass the problem off to a future president.

While Trump gave no further details on what the suspension would entail, the 20-year commitment appears to mirror the much-maligned “sunset clause” in the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran that would have allowed Tehran to enrich unlimited amounts of uranium once the deal elapsed.

Trump had pulled the US out of that agreement, calling the sunset clause “totally unacceptable” and saying that it would spark a nuclear arms race in the Middle East.

However, Trump on Friday also said his patience with Iran was running out and that he had agreed in talks with Xi that Tehran could not be allowed to have a nuclear weapon and must reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Tehran denies seeking nuclear weapons, but it has enriched uranium to levels that have no peaceful application, obstructed international inspectors from checking its nuclear facilities, and expanded its ballistic missile capabilities.

Washington and Tehran announced a ceasefire last month but have been struggling to thrash out a lasting peace pact. Talks mediated by Pakistan have been suspended since Iran and the US each rejected the other’s latest proposals last week.

Israel, which launched the military campaign against Iran jointly with the US six weeks ago, is not represented at the talks. Host Pakistan has no diplomatic ties with Israel and does not recognize its sovereignty.

The ceasefire declared by Trump in April came with core declared goals of the war unfulfilled, including ensuring that Iran does not attain nuclear weapons, destroying its missile program, and creating the conditions for the Iranian public to overthrow the regime.

Speaking to reporters on Air Force One, Trump also said he discussed lifting sanctions on Chinese companies that buy Iranian oil during his visit to Beijing and will make a decision soon.

Advertisement
The US recently imposed sanctions on several Chinese oil refiners for buying Iranian oil, including Hengli Petrochemical 600346.SS, one of the country’s largest private refiners and a symbol of Beijing’s drive to modernize and upgrade the industry.

“We talked about that and I’m going to make a decision over the next few days,” Trump said.

US officials, including Trump, raised the possibility of China buying more American energy over the course of the summit, although Chinese readouts of the meeting made no mention of any deals.

‘No trust’
While Trump indicated there was flexibility in the US position, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Friday that Tehran has “no trust” in the US and would only be interested in negotiating with Washington if it was serious.

Araghchi told reporters in New Delhi that “contradictory messages” had raised Iranian doubts about the Americans’ real intentions, adding that the Pakistani mediation process had not failed but was in “difficulty.”

Iran is trying to keep the latest ceasefire to give diplomacy a chance, but is also prepared to go back to fighting, Araghchi said.

“What was said that the United States rejected Iran’s proposal or Iran’s response to the American proposal was a few days ago, when Mr. Trump tweeted and said that it was unacceptable,” Araghchi said.

“But after that, we received messages again from the Americans saying that they are willing to continue the talks and continue the interaction.”

Advertisement
The issues holding up negotiations between the two sides include Iran’s nuclear ambitions and its control of ⁠the Strait of Hormuz.

With regard to Hormuz, Araghchi claimed all vessels can pass through the Strait of Hormuz except those “at war” with Tehran, if they coordinate with Iran’s navy.

But the situation around the waterway, vital to global energy and commodities markets, was “very complicated,” he added, during a visit to attend a BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting in India.

Iran effectively shut the strait, which normally handles about one-fifth of the world’s seaborne oil and gas supply, to most shipping after the US and Israel began their war on Iran in February.

On Thursday, a ship anchored off the east coast of the United Arab Emirates was seized and was heading toward Iranian waters, the British military said, while India said a cargo ship was sunk amid the battle over the strait.

Asked if Tehran was open to mediation by Beijing, Araghchi said Friday Iran appreciated the efforts of any country that had the ability to help.

“We have very good relations with China,” he said. “We are strategic partners, and we know that the Chinese have good intentions. So, anything they can do to help diplomacy would be welcomed.”

Araghchi added: “We hope that, with the advancement of negotiations, we will reach a good conclusion so that the Strait of Hormuz can be completely secured and we can expedite the normalisation of traffic through the strait.”

BRICS ministers fail to issue joint statement over Mideast conflict
The two-day BRICS meeting concluded without a joint statement because of “differing views among some members” on the situation in the Middle East, host India said.

Advertisement
The differences highlighted the challenge of maintaining unity within the bloc as it seeks to expand its influence.

Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, third right, talks to Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia, Waleed bin Abdulkarim, second right, as Indian Foreign Minister S.Jaishankar, right, South Africa’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Ronald Lamola, second left, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, left, and and Vietnam Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Hang, third left, watch at a photo call of Government representatives and partner countries of BRICS during a two day meeting in New Delhi, India, May 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
The Indian statement said members expressed “their respective national positions and shared a range of perspectives” on issues including sovereignty, maritime security, and the protection of civilian infrastructure and civilian lives in the Middle East.

It also included a footnote saying that “a member had reservations” about parts of sections dealing with Gaza and security in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb Strait.

BRICS includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Ethiopia, Egypt, Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia.

Divisions among members have become more visible during the Iran war, particularly between Iran and the UAE — which Iran repeatedly attacked with missiles and drones throughout the war.

Araghchi on Thursday urged BRICS nations to condemn the US and Israel over what he described as their “unlawful aggression.” He also called on member states to resist what he said was the politicization of international institutions.

DNA

ISLAMABAD: Former US President Donald Trump has claimed that the United States agreed to a ceasefire understanding with Iran as a “favour to Pakistan,” amid renewed diplomatic activity involving Islamabad, Tehran, Washington and Beijing.

Trump, speaking during a media interaction, also stated that Chinese President Xi Jinping wants Iran to “open up” the Strait of Hormuz to ensure uninterrupted global energy supplies and ease tensions in the Gulf region. His remarks came at a time of growing international concern over regional stability and maritime security in one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes.

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran had “received messages” from the United States indicating Washington’s willingness to continue diplomatic talks despite ongoing tensions and sanctions-related disputes. The development is being viewed by analysts as a possible indication of backchannel diplomacy aimed at avoiding further escalation in the Middle East.

Diplomatic observers believe Pakistan has quietly played an important role in facilitating communication between regional and global stakeholders amid the evolving situation. Islamabad has maintained close ties with both Tehran and Washington while also coordinating with Beijing on regional security and economic matters.

In another significant development, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced the successful repatriation of 11 Pakistani nationals and 20 Iranian citizens who had been aboard vessels seized by the United States on the high seas.

Dar shared the update through a statement on X, saying all individuals were safe and in good health.

“All individuals are in good health and high spirits,” Dar stated, adding that the welfare of Pakistanis abroad, particularly those facing distress situations, remained the government’s highest priority.

According to the foreign minister, the rescued individuals had reached Bangkok from Singapore and later boarded a flight to Islamabad scheduled to arrive late at night.

“Our Iranian brothers will then be facilitated to return to their homeland,” Dar added, highlighting Pakistan’s humanitarian coordination with Iranian authorities.

The incident involving the seized vessels has not yet been fully explained publicly by US authorities, though it comes amid heightened maritime monitoring operations in regional waters linked to sanctions enforcement and anti-smuggling activities.

The successful repatriation effort has been welcomed in diplomatic circles as an example of practical regional cooperation despite broader geopolitical tensions. Analysts say the development also underscores Pakistan’s increasing diplomatic relevance in regional crisis management and mediation efforts.

The Strait of Hormuz remains central to the ongoing strategic calculations of global powers, with nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil trade passing through the narrow waterway. Any disruption in the route has the potential to trigger major economic consequences worldwide.

With Washington and Tehran apparently keeping communication channels open, and Pakistan continuing active diplomatic engagement, regional observers hope that tensions can be managed through dialogue rather than confrontation.