Iran escalates attacks on UAE amid escalating regional tensions

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Iranian authorities have intensified their warnings against the United Arab Emirates (UAE), labeling it as a “hostile base” and threatening stronger strikes if the US and Israel resume their attacks. According to Ali Khezrian, a member of Iran’s parliament’s national security commission, the UAE’s close ties with the US and Israel have led to increased regional insecurity.

The Iranian armed forces’ Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters has issued statements directly addressing Emirati leaders, warning them against allowing their country to become a hub for American and Zionist military forces. The headquarters stated that the UAE’s deepening ties with the US and Israel are contributing to regional instability and will be met with a “crushing and regret-inducing response” if attacks against Iran’s southern islands and ports continue.

The Iranian government has also asserted its maritime control over the Strait of Hormuz, which includes the UAE’s critical port of Fujairah. The port was struck earlier this month, but Iran denied responsibility. In response, the UAE has terminated visas for Iranians living in the country, closed down Iranian businesses, and restricted trade routes.

The US military presence in the UAE, including its al-Dhafra airbase, has been a point of contention between the two countries. The UAE, along with Bahrain and Morocco, signed the Abraham Accords with Israel in 2020 to normalize relations. Since then, the UAE and Israel have expanded military and intelligence cooperation.

The situation has significant implications for Iran, which has had to diversify its imports due to the US naval blockade of Iranian ports. The country is also trying to replace lost sea routes with land routes through neighboring countries such as Pakistan, Iraq, Turkey, and others.

Source: Al Jazeera