Sources report UAE mulling unprecedented retaliation against Iran due to Gulf states’ fury from Iranian strikes.
Unprecedented Consideration
According to Axios sources, a UAE attack on Iran would be unprecedented. The fact it is being considered reflects the enormous anger of Gulf states over Iranian attacks.
Iran’s Escalating Strikes
The UAE has been attacked by Iran more frequently than Israel since the war began, despite no involvement. Iran struck Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and Saudi Arabia on the first two days, halting most Qatari gas production. An Iranian drone attacked the US embassy in Riyadh, missile fragments caused fires at Dubai’s Jebel Ali port, and another drone hit a luxury hotel on Palm Jumeirah.
A “Miscalculation”
The UAE Ministry of Defense stated Iran launched 186 ballistic missiles: 172 intercepted, 13 fell into the sea, one landed in UAE territory. Additionally, 755 of over 800 drones were intercepted, nearly 60 reached the country, killing three foreigners and injuring around 70. Advisor Anwar Gargash called Iran’s strikes on Gulf states a “miscalculation” leading to isolation, warning escalation reinforces Iran as the region’s primary threat and source of instability.
Regional Conflict Worsening
The UAE Ministry of Defense reserved the right to respond to the escalation, stating Iranian counterattacks transformed the war into a broad regional crisis involving unwilling nations. Iran targeted US bases and other sites across the Gulf, Jordan, Iraq, and the Kurdish region. Trump’s comments that “Epic Fury” could last four to five weeks may further spread the conflict.
Safe Corridors Opened
The UAE announced safe air corridors with neighbors to facilitate citizen returns and tourist departures. Minister Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri stated the UAE can handle 48 rescue flights per hour, with capacity increasing based on security assessments. Over 17,000 passengers left on 60 flights in the first phase; a second phase involves over 80 daily flights for 27,000 people.
