Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth engaged in an introductory call with the UAE Minister of State for Defense Affairs, Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Mazrouei, on February 15. During the conversation, they discussed regional issues and reinforced the U.S.-UAE defense partnership.

Pentagon Press Secretary John Ullyot stated, "The Secretary expressed his desire to continue working with the UAE to address regional security concerns and to coordinate on shared priorities, including defense industry cooperation." Both officials agreed to maintain communication in the following months.