UAE Sought Gulf Coalition Against Iran During Recent War, Report Says

The United Arab Emirates attempted to coordinate a joint military response with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and other Gulf states against Iran following intense missile and drone attacks during a recent conflict. According to sources cited by Bloomberg, UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan urged neighbors to join retaliatory strikes to deter Tehran, arguing that the threat aligned with the GCC's founding principles. However, neighboring nations refused to participate, viewing the conflict as not their own, which reportedly strained relations between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh. While the US administration supported the UAE's proposal, Saudi Arabia ultimately pursued independent strikes and later facilitated mediation efforts involving Pakistan. Qatar also declined to engage militarily, opting instead for de-escalation roles after its energy infrastructure was targeted. The lack of regional support allegedly contributed to the UAE's withdrawal from OPEC+ and its strengthening ties with Israel. Despite operating without a coalition, the UAE conducted limited independent attacks against Iranian targets in March and April. The report highlights significant diplomatic fractures within the Gulf Cooperation Council amidst heightened regional tensions and direct Iranian aggression against Emirati infrastructure, including the key oil port of Fujairah.