After the Iranian attacks: the response being considered in the Emirates

The United Arab Emirates is currently considering a dramatic move to freeze Iranian assets worth billions of dollars held in its territory – this was reported tonight (between Thursday and Friday) in the Wall Street Journal. This is a step that may limit Tehran’s access to foreign currency and world trade, especially against the background of the war with Israel and the US.

Sources involved in the discussions told the Wall Street Journal that the authorities in the Emirates are considering a wide range of measures against Iranian economic activity on their territory. Among other things, the possibility of freezing assets of straw companies used to disguise commercial activity is being examined.

In addition, the authorities are considering the possibility of a widespread raid on local money changers used to transfer money outside the official banking channels. The sources indicated that if the Emirates do decide to act, bank accounts associated with the Iranian Revolutionary Guards will be a major target.

Along with economic pressure, policy makers in Abu Dhabi are also considering direct naval actions, which include the possibility of seizing Iranian ships. These steps are being considered after Iran launched more than 1,000 drones and missiles at targets in the United Arab Emirates in recent days.

Despite the plans on the table, at this stage it is still unclear when the UAE government will decide to act, or if it will actually implement these measures in the end. However, Emirati officials have already conveyed warnings to Iran in private conversations about the possible actions the country may take against it.