Iran Delivers Stern Warning to Saudi Arabia Amidst UAE’s Provocative Role in US-Israeli Aggression
In a significant development, Iran has reportedly conveyed a strong message to Saudi Arabia and Oman, indicating its readiness to take “decisive action” against the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This warning comes in response to the ongoing US-Israeli aggression targeting the Islamic Republic, a move seen as strategically aimed at highlighting and exacerbating existing divisions among Abu Dhabi and its Gulf neighbors, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.
For years, tensions have been simmering between the UAE and its Gulf counterparts, particularly Saudi Arabia. The UAE’s recent withdrawal from OPEC further underscores how the hostile actions against Iran are deepening rifts between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, rather than fostering unity, as reported by Middle East Eye.
During one exchange, Iranian officials reportedly informed their Saudi counterparts of their intent to deliver a firm response to the Emiratis, specifically drawing attention to Riyadh’s existing disagreements with Abu Dhabi. While the exact timing of this exchange was not specified, the report noted Saudi officials’ disapproval of the direct language, yet dialogue between the two nations continues, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi having recently engaged with his Saudi Arabian counterpart, Faisal bin Farhan.
These warnings from Iran demonstrate a keen awareness of the underlying fissures within the Gulf region. The Islamic Republic perceives a strategic advantage in further distancing the Arab monarchies – all of whom are partners with the United States – from one another.
Deepening Gulf Divisions: Saudi Arabia vs. UAE
Saudi Arabia, the region’s largest country, shares with the UAE ambitions for projecting power abroad. However, their rivalry is evident in various conflicts; Saudi Arabia previously targeted UAE’s allies in Yemen just before the aggression against Iran escalated, and both nations are now backing opposing factions in Sudan’s civil war. Neither country has ceased maneuvering against the other, even amidst the broader regional tensions. Middle East Eye previously revealed that Saudi Arabia-funded weapons shipments from Pakistan began arriving in eastern Libya for Khalifa Haftar in March, in an apparent effort by Riyadh to diminish the UAE’s influence over his forces.
While Gulf monarchies, including the UAE, generally expressed reservations about the US-Israeli aggression against Iran, they have borne the brunt of retaliatory actions. The UAE, a small but wealthy nation, was particularly affected, reportedly experiencing at least 2,000 Iranian ballistic missiles and drones.
The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait collectively host tens of thousands of US troops and are deeply integrated with the US defense industry, which supplies the majority of their weaponry and air defenses. Despite some frustration over the US ignoring pleas not to attack Iran, the region largely aligned with Washington. However, the UAE has distinguished itself with a more aggressive posture.
UAE’s Provocative Alliance with US-Israel
In stark contrast to some regional efforts towards de-escalation, the UAE has actively lobbied, both publicly and privately, for the US to continue its hostile actions against Iran. It has also reportedly attempted to obstruct Pakistan’s mediation efforts aimed at bringing the US and Iran to the negotiating table.
The ongoing aggression has also solidified the partnership between the UAE and the Zionist entity, Israel. The Financial Times reported that Israel dispatched a laser defense system and other advanced weaponry to the UAE during Iran’s defensive responses. Speculation has even arisen regarding the UAE’s direct involvement alongside the US and Israel in attacking Iran, particularly after the downing of a Chinese Wing Loong II drone over Iran’s southern region of Shiraz last month, prompting questions among open-source intelligence analysts about potential UAE airstrikes inside Iran.
The UAE’s aggressive stance renders it particularly vulnerable to Iranian responses, especially given its openness to international visitors. Dubai, a flourishing hub for tourism, cryptocurrency, and finance in recent years, has already felt the impact, with several high-profile hotels offering discounted prices and experiencing low occupancy. The Burj Al Arab, a prominent landmark, was reportedly struck by a projectile from Iran in the early days of the conflict and has been closed for renovations.
Despite these significant costs, the UAE has emerged as the most vocal Gulf state advocating for continued aggression against Iran. Experts suggest the Emirates are apprehensive that the US might abandon the conflict with Tehran, allowing Iran to solidify its position as a formidable power on its doorstep, capable of asserting influence over the Strait of Hormuz. Middle East Eye previously reported that UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed informed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that Abu Dhabi is prepared for the conflict to endure for up to nine months.
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