Will UAE join US-Israeli war on Iran? Report warns Abu Dhabi’s ‘patience running out’, may join Iran war if…; know how it will impact India
Iran-UAE war: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has borne the brunt of Iran’s retaliatory strikes since the current conflict erupted late last month, and might join the war US-Israeli war effort against the Islamic Republic if Tehran continues to target its vital infrastructure, a media report said Sunday.
Will UAE join Iran war?
According to a Wall Street Journal report, while the UAE has repeatedly condemned Iranian attacks on its territory and issued strong warnings, patience is running out in Abu Dhabi, and there are serious considerations in the Gulf nation to join the US-Israeli attack on Iran.
UAE has consistently stated that it reserves the right to retaliate, and may launch retaliatory strikes against Iran if Tehran continues to target its critical infrastructure, particularly energy facilities.
Reports suggest that speculations about the UAE getting actively involved in the Iran war have gained momentum since the threat of a US ground invasion of Iran became a real possibility.
Could US stage ground assault on Iran from UAE?
According to defence experts, US may launch a ground assault to wrest control of the Strait of Hormuz from Iran and US special forces may attempt to seize strategic Iranian islands located along the waterway to secure it.
However, if the US stages the ground attack from the UAE as Iran suspects, Tehran may fulfill its threat of invading Emirati territory, forcing Abu Dhabi to join the war.
Recently, Iranian officials said their intelligence reports indicate the United States might stage a ground assault from the UAE. Tehran believes Emirati troops will launch a ground attack, paving the way for US forces to enter Iranian territory.
Meanwhile, amid backchannel negotiations between Tehran and Washington to resolve the raging conflict, the UAE has in recent days called for an attack on Iran. Abu Dhabi’s US envoy conveyed the country’s stance, stating that a simple ceasefire in Iran would not be enough, instead emphasis should be on a “decisive outcome” to ensure peace in the region.
Why UAE entry into Iran war could impact India?
The UAE is home to around 4.2 million Indian nationals, making it the largest expatriate group, representing roughly 35% of the country’s total population. Thus, Abu Dhabi actively participating in the Iran war would raise tensions for New Delhi due to the sheer number of Indian diaspora in the Gulf.
Notably, a section of Emirati strategists have openly come out in support of retaliatory attacks against Iran. According to expert and author, Amjad Taha, the UAE and the US are strong partners, and stressed that Washington should not push for a ceasefire with Iran’s Islamic Regime, and instead work towards a ‘decisive outcome.
How brittle are Iran–UAE relations?
Iran-UAE relations have historically been tense, with friction between the two neighbours stemming from long-standing territorial disputes. UAE has grown closer to Israel, Iran’s arch nemesis, since the 2020 Abraham Accords, further exacerbating tensions between Tehran and Abu Dhabi.
Both Iran and the UAE lay claim to the strategic islands of Abu Musa and Tonb, located near the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran fears Abu Dhabi could could exploit the ongoing conflict to seize these islands.