19 groups including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International press Blinken to use COP28 conference as leverage on UAE authorities over jailed Ahmed Mansoor

Iranian navy chief claims alliance will also include Qatar, Bahrain, Iraq, India and Pakistan; announcement comes after UAE said it was leaving US-led force

Abu Dhabi announces its departure 2 months ago from Combined Maritime Forces, without specifying reason; tensions remain high with Iran

Book on Abraham Accords reveals extent of Jerusalem's security assistance to Abu Dhabi, unlike what Emiratis felt was lackluster support from the US

Accused of exploiting their friendship, Tom Barrack tells court he wanted ex-US president to encourage UAE, Saudi Arabia to align with Israel and bring stability to oil-rich region

US says it has 'not sought the arrest of Mr. Ghafoor' after UAE said American authorities had requested Emirati help with an investigation into alleged tax evasion

Emirates says arrest of Asim Ghafoor, an American citizen, was coordinated with the US to 'combat transnational crimes'; attorney will be deported

Ambassador charged with battling Jew hatred abroad says Riyadh jumped on proposal to visit, noting Saudi influence on Muslim education worldwide; will also travel to Israel and UAE

Announcement comes a day after Blinken's meeting with Abu Dhabi crown prince, two days after call with Saudi FM as US seeks to calm their frustrations over lack of support

Washington urges allies not to normalize ties with a regime accused of 'horrific atrocities'