A Lebanese-American businessman worked for more than a year with an influential Trump fundraiser to push Emirati and Saudi interests in the White House.

The New York Times reported Wednesday that George Nader, a businessman and adviser to the de facto ruler of the United Arab Emirates, sought to cultivate Elliott Broidy, the Republican National Committee's deputy finance chairman, as a tool of influence in President Trump Donald John TrumpBubba Wallace to be driver of Michael Jordan, Denny Hamlin NASCAR team Graham: GOP will confirm Trump's Supreme Court nominee before the election Southwest Airlines, unions call for six-month extension of government aid MORE's White House.

Nader is now cooperating with special counsel Robert Mueller Robert (Bob) MuellerCNN's Toobin warns McCabe is in 'perilous condition' with emboldened Trump CNN anchor rips Trump over Stone while evoking Clinton-Lynch tarmac meeting The Hill's 12:30 Report: New Hampshire fallout MORE's team of investigators, who are said to be examining foreign influence inside the Trump White House, the Times reported.

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Nader and Broidy sought to push Trump to do away with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson Rex Wayne TillersonGary Cohn: 'I haven't made up my mind' on vote for president in November Kushner says 'Alice in Wonderland' describes Trump presidency: Woodward book Conspicuous by their absence from the Republican Convention MORE and take a hard-line stance on Iran and Qatar, according to the Times.

Trump ousted Tillerson last week, moving to replace him with CIA Director Mike Pompeo Michael (Mike) Richard PompeoOvernight Defense: House Democrats unveil stopgap spending measure to GOP opposition | Bill includes .6B for new subs | Trump issues Iran sanctions after world shrugs at US action at UN Navalny calls on Russia to return clothes he was wearing when he fell ill US issues Iran sanctions to enforce UN action ignored by international community MORE. The president has also taken a firm stance against Iran and Qatar.

In turn, Nader enticed Broidy by helping to deliver more than $200 million in contracts with the UAE. He also praised Broidy's ability to "handle," according to emails obtained by the Times.

Documents obtained by the Times also suggest that Nader presented himself as an intermediary for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

At one point last year, Nader also pushed Broidy to try to set up a meeting away from the White House between Trump and Emirati Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed, according to the Times.

In a report prepared for Nader detailing an Oval Office meeting with Trump, Broidy acknowledged that he pressed Trump for the meeting. The request, however, was ultimately blocked by national security adviser H.R. McMaster.