The gloves are off: the Emirates is pushing for a military operation against Iran

The United Arab Emirates is preparing to become the first country in the Persian Gulf to actively join the war against Iran, the Wall Street Journal reports tonight (between Tuesday and Wednesday) from Arab officials. According to the publication, Abu Dhabi is conducting a diplomatic and military pressure campaign to establish an international coalition that will open the Strait of Hormuz by force, “by any means necessary.”

According to the report, Emirati diplomacy is working with the US, Europe and powers in Asia to form a military task force that will operate under the umbrella of the UN Security Council. Emirati officials made it clear to their allies that the regime in Tehran is “ready to sacrifice the world economy” for its survival, and that there is no escape from decisive military action to break its stranglehold on the Strait.

One of the key details revealed in the Journal’s report concerns the Emirati demand from the US to occupy strategic islands in the Strait of Hormuz that are currently held by Iran. These are the Abu Musa and Tunab Islands (Big and Small), which the United Arab Emirates has claimed historical ownership for decades.

The sources who spoke with the newspaper point out that Abu Dhabi sees the current war as an opportunity to change the geopolitical reality in the Straits. According to them, American takeover of the islands is a necessary step to ensure freedom of navigation and prevent Iran’s ability to threaten oil tankers and merchant ships.

The change in the UAE’s position comes after the country suffered the worst blow in the Gulf from Iranian fire. According to the data in the Wall Street Journal, Iran has launched about 2,500 missiles and UAVs at the Emirates since the beginning of the conflict – more than any other country, including Israel.

The attacks, which hit airports and hotels in Dubai, dented the country’s image as a safe business and tourist center. An official told the newspaper that in the past Iran was seen as a “difficult but rational neighbor”, but the direct attacks on civilian infrastructure led to the understanding that this is a regime that is trying to sow panic and destabilize the economic stability of the entire Gulf.

The UAE is already considering its operational role within the coalition. This may include: using the Emirates’ advanced F-16s for strikes, using the deep-water port of Jebel Ali as a forward base for US forces, moving stocks of bombs and missiles from the Emirates’ warehouses to help with existing shortages in the US and Israel.

Despite the determination, the move involves a heavy strategic risk. Iran has already threatened to destroy essential infrastructure in the Emirates if these help to occupy its territories, and there is uncertainty regarding the policy of the Trump administration, which may declare victory without solving the problem of the naval blockade.