Nations behind a blockade on Qatar have welcomed strong comments from President Donald Trump backing their move, but were silent on calls from his secretary of state to ease the measures.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt and Bahrain have cut ties, accusing Qatar of funding terrorism. Qatar denies the accusations.

The UAE hailed Mr Trump’s “leadership”.

But the states did not respond to Secretary of State Rex Tillerson’s warning of humanitarian consequences.

Mr Trump on Friday told Qatar: “Stop teaching people to kill other people.”

He said: “I decided with Rex Tillerson that the time had come to call on Qatar to end funding and extremist ideology in terms of funding.”

Mr Trump said he wanted Qatar “back among the unity of nations”.

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However, the tone of his comments contrasted with those of Mr Tillerson, who had earlier said the blockade was having humanitarian consequences.

Mr Tillerson also said the ongoing row was affecting regional co-operation on countering extremism.

He said the blockade was “impairing US and other international business activities in the region” and that the US backed mediation efforts being pursued by Kuwait.

On Saturday, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE made no mention of Mr Tillerson’s call.