According to the Financial Times, the United Arab Emirates is working to shift from a posture of hostility toward Iran to one of de-escalation, driven by the recognition that geography limits its strategic options. The report details that President Mohammed bin Zayed has entrusted three of his brothers with managing the de-escalation efforts, and that the UAE is simultaneously seeking to expand security cooperation with Israel and the United States.
This afternoon, the Financial Times published a detailed report indicating that the United Arab Emirates is undergoing a significant strategic shift toward de-escalation with Iran. The report notes that the UAE, which was one of the most hardline Gulf states against Iran, is now prioritizing the protection of its status as a regional hub for tourism, trade, and finance.
According to the report, President Mohammed bin Zayed has delegated the management of de-escalation efforts to three of his brothers: Deputy President Mansour, Foreign Minister Abdullah, and National Security Advisor Tahnoun, described as one of the more pragmatic leaders in Abu Dhabi. Diplomats cited in the report say that while MBZ hoped the war would weaken the Iranian regime, he and other Gulf leaders came to understand that if the Trump administration ends the war with Iran weakened but not defeated, they would be left to deal with a wounded but more aggressive adversary.
The report also notes that the UAE is simultaneously working to expand security cooperation with Israel and the United States. However, some UAE figures reportedly blame Prime Minister Netanyahu for dragging the region into conflict and fear that his government's actions embarrass the Emirates. Despite these reservations, Abu Dhabi continues to view normalization with Israel as serving its strategic interests.
The Zioneer has previously reported on the UAE's dual-track approach — including military cooperation with Israel and financial arrangements with Iran — highlighting the complex calculus Gulf states face amid the regional escalation.
2 developments
- StrongQatar, Pakistan, UAE leaders convinced Trump to call off Iran strike plan, Politico reports
- DevelopingNetanyahu addresses rising tensions with Iran
- StrongNetanyahu braces for toughest confrontation: Trump call to set tone for Iran deal
- DevelopingBehind diplomatic smiles: Deep UAE frustration over US Iran war policy, report says
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