The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is considering a military response to increasing Iranian missile and drone attacks on the country. According to two sources familiar with the matter who spoke to Axios, the Abu Dhabi government has considered a possible military operation targeting Iranian missile sites.
Direct military intervention by the United Arab Emirates against Iran would be an unprecedented step in the region’s history. Consideration of this option reflects the Gulf states’ response to Iranian attacks targeting civilian infrastructure and oil and gas facilities.
It is claimed that the UAE is the country most targeted by Iran since the war, surpassing even Israel in this regard. A source close to Emirati politics said: “The UAE is considering active defensive measures against Iran. Although it is not directly involved in the war, it has been subjected to more than 800 munitions.” The same source adds: “In these circumstances, no country can avoid reviewing its defensive posture.”
From the first day of the conflict, Iran targeted the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain. On the second day, the attacks spread to Oman and Saudi Arabia. Qatar suspended much of its natural gas production following the attacks. On Monday, it was reported that an Iranian drone struck the US embassy in Riyadh.
*This does not constitute investment advice.