Iran warns Gulf states aiding US military will be seen as participating in operations

Published Aug 19, 04:15 PM UTC

Iran's armed forces chief of staff, Ali Abdollahi, warned Gulf countries on August 19, 2026, that any assistance to the U.S. military would be considered participation in U.S. operations. The warning came hours after the United Arab Emirates announced it was suspending all economic dealings with Iran, following Iranian ballistic missile attacks on vessels off its coast. The conflict, which began on February 28 with U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran, has seen Tehran blockade the Strait of Hormuz. Despite a recent lull, attacks on commercial shipping continue. The UAE, a major trading partner for Iran before the war, has recalled its ambassador and shut Iran-linked institutions. U.S. President Donald Trump denied ongoing talks with Iran, despite his envoy Jared Kushner's claims of positive conversations, and taunted Iran by posting about the strait as 'NEW U.S. Territory'. Gulf states have mostly denied reports they retaliated against Iran.