US and UAE reportedly in talks to sign major security agreement

US and Emirati officials have been holding talks to sign a “Strategic Framework Agreement” that would give the UAE certain security guarantees from the US, Axios reports.

The deal appears to be an effort by the Biden administration to mend ties with the UAE that have strained over the past year, with Abu Dhabi accusing Washington of not providing it with enough support amid missile attacks from the Iran-backed Houthis.

Why it matters: The discussions began last November, but became more serious after the UAE and Biden administration eased tensions in late March. Relations had been strained over what the Emiratis saw as a slow and weak US response to the Houthi missile and drone attacks on Abu Dhabi in January.

The deal would demonstrate the US commitment to the UAE’s security, current and former US officials told Axios.

Discussions are expected to continue in the coming weeks.