Iran Threatens to 'Crush' UAE, Exploits Gulf Rift to Deepen Division

International press reports have revealed a new Iranian escalation targeting the United Arab Emirates, as Tehran informed both Saudi Arabia and Oman of its plans to launch intensive attacks against Emirati interests. These Iranian moves come in response to ongoing military confrontations and as part of a strategy aimed at creating a deeper rift in the joint Gulf cooperation system.

Media sources reported that Iranian officials used harsh language in their communication with the Saudi side, going as far as threatening to 'crush the Emiratis'. Tehran deliberately highlighted existing differences between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi during these discussions, in an attempt to win over the Saudi position or at least ensure its neutrality in the escalating conflict.

Emirati-Saudi relations have witnessed accumulated tensions for years, clearly emerging with Abu Dhabi's announcement of its withdrawal from the 'OPEC' organization this month. Observers believe that this withdrawal represents a strong indicator that regional pressures and the current war have deepened the gap between the two Gulf poles instead of uniting their ranks in the face of common threats.

Despite the Iranian threat language, Riyadh and Tehran have maintained open channels of communication, with high-level contacts recently taking place between the foreign ministers of the two countries. These moves reflect Tehran's awareness of the divisions within the Gulf house and its persistent endeavor to strategically exploit these differences to weaken US-linked alliances in the region.

The Saudi-Emirati rivalry was not limited to economic issues but extended to external spheres of influence such as Yemen and Sudan, where both parties support opposing forces. In a notable development, sources revealed the arrival of Saudi-funded Pakistani arms shipments to eastern Libya last March, in a move aimed at reducing Emirati influence there and supporting parties loyal to Riyadh.

On the ground, the UAE faced unprecedented military pressure, with data indicating that it has been subjected to at least 2000 ballistic missiles and drones launched by the Iranian side. Despite the public opposition of Gulf countries to an all-out war, the UAE was the most affected by the direct repercussions of this military confrontation.

Countries in the region, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, host thousands of American soldiers and primarily rely on American air defense systems. However, a divergence in positions emerged; while Saudi Arabia provided military facilities to Washington and supported Pakistani mediation, the UAE pushed for the continuation of military operations against Tehran.

In an effort to enhance its defensive capabilities, the UAE resorted to deepening its partnership with the Israeli occupation state, which supplied it with an advanced laser defense system to counter missile attacks. Technical reports confirm that these advanced weapons have been deployed to protect vital Emirati facilities that have become a constant target for Iranian drones.

Intelligence questions were raised about the possibility of the UAE carrying out strikes inside Iranian territory, especially after a Chinese-made drone was shot down over the city of Shiraz. Analysts believe that this incident may indicate a shift in Emirati strategy from defense to direct offense, further complicating the regional security landscape.

The economic sectors in the UAE were directly affected by these tensions, especially in Dubai, which is a global center for tourism and finance. Major hotels recorded a significant decrease in occupancy rates and were forced to offer discounted deals to attract visitors amid increasing security concerns about repeated missile targeting.

Among the most prominent symbolic and economic losses was the closure of the famous 'Burj Al Arab' hotel for 18 months under the pretext of renovation work, after it was hit by an Iranian projectile in the early days of the conflict. This targeting represents a strong blow to the luxury tourism sector, on which the emirate heavily relies for its national income.

Despite the exorbitant costs, the UAE remains the toughest Gulf state in confronting Iranian influence, driven by fears of a potential US withdrawal that could leave the region under Tehran's hegemony. Abu Dhabi fears that any retreat in military pressure could consolidate Iran's control over vital waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz.

In the context of diplomatic moves, sources reported that the Emirati Foreign Minister informed American officials of his country's readiness to bear the consequences of the war for a long period, possibly up to nine months. These statements confirm the UAE's insistence on moving forward with the option of confrontation, despite security and economic challenges and deep-rooted differences with neighbors.

Iranian officials informed their Saudi counterparts that they intend to crush the Emiratis, a clear indication of exploiting the divergence between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi.