Brian Hook, the US Special Representative for Iran, said during a visit to Kuwait that Washington remains committed to supporting Gulf security and “collective action” to ease tensions in the region.
Mr Hook, who is also a senior adviser to US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, travelled to Tunisia, Qatar, and Kuwait this week to discuss Washington's attempts to extend the UN arms embargo on Iran, in the face of opposition from Russia and China. He discussed in Kuwait and Qatar the "need to extend the arms embargo to preclude a regional arms race and halt Iran's destabilising activities in the region," the US State Department said.
In Tunisia, Mr Hook “requested Tunisia’s support ... to extend the arms embargo” against Iran, which expires on October 18.
Tunisia is a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.
“We affirm the importance of GCC unity and appreciate the conciliation efforts being made by Kuwait, which has played a major role in this regard,” Mr Hook said after meeting senior Kuwaiti officials on Monday, according to state news agency Kuna.
He met Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al Sabah and Foreign Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al Sabah.
Kuwait has been behind several initiatives attempting to heal the rift that started in mid-2017 between Qatar and the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Egypt over Doha’s support for extremist groups in the region.
Mr Hook said it “has gone on too long”, praising efforts by Kuwait to resolve the dispute.
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
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Asia Cup 2018 final
Who: India v Bangladesh
When: Friday, 3.30pm, Dubai International Stadium
Watch: Live on OSN Cricket HD
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Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
