Bloomberg: UAE sought joint Gulf response to Iran strikes

The United Arab Emirates attempted to persuade neighbouring Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar, to participate in a coordinated military response to Iranian airstrikes but was met with resistance, people familiar with the discussions told Bloomberg.

The diplomatic efforts took place shortly after the United States and Israel began bombing Iran on February 28. According to the sources, UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed held a series of calls with regional leaders, including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to discuss a possible collective response.

However, the leaders of neighbouring states made clear that the conflict was “not their war,” leading to further strain in relations between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, the people said.

According to the sources, the UAE later launched an independent strike against Iran before subsequently withdrawing from OPEC.

Saudi Arabia also carried out strikes against Iranian forces but later shifted its attention toward diplomatic efforts, engaging Pakistan as a mediator in pursuit of a peaceful resolution.

Qatar reportedly considered retaliatory action after Iran struck a liquefied natural gas facility in Ras Laffan in mid-March but ultimately decided against military escalation.

Bahrain and Kuwait, which often align closely with Saudi policy positions, reportedly chose to remain outside the conflict. No information was available regarding Oman’s stance.

By Sabina Mammadli