White House Envoy Steve Witkoff met with UAE National Security Adviser Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Zayed al Nahyan to discuss strategy regarding Iran. This unannounced meeting occurred during the Trump administration's efforts to economically pressure Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The UAE is a crucial partner in U.S. operations in the strait and its economic campaign against Iran. Sheikh Tahnoon is a powerful figure overseeing significant UAE investments and technology interests. Their discussions covered next steps in the Iran crisis and other important issues. This meeting followed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's announcement of "Operation Economic Outcast," a sanctions initiative against countries engaging with Iran. The U.S. Treasury also took action against UAE branches of an Egyptian bank for doing business with Iran. Prior to these events, the UAE had halted all trade and financial transactions with Iran, a significant shift given their previous extensive trade relationship. Emirati officials communicated to the U.S. that effective economic pressure requires the participation of all key trading partners with Iran. While upcoming U.S. sanctions played a role, they were not the sole reason for the UAE's decision to suspend business with Iran. Recent intensified Iranian attacks on UAE oil tankers after diplomatic talks contributed to the UAE's decision to suspend all business. The U.S. is now instructing its embassies globally to formally demand that host governments sever all trade with Iran. This includes identifying illicit Iranian business activities and warning against sanctions and disconnection from the dollar system. The U.S. is also working to establish a task force to coordinate the enforcement of its economic pressure campaign against Iran.