Amidst US-Israeli aggression, the UAE's push for a coordinated attack faced resistance from regional allies
Category: Politics
On May 15, 2026, a Bloomberg report revealed that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) had failed in its attempts to persuade fellow members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to join a coordinated military campaign against Iran during the current US-Israeli conflict. The military aggression began on February 28, 2026, with airstrikes that struck an elementary school in Minab and resulted in the assassination of Iran's Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.
The UAE's President, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, sought to rally support from the other five GCC states—Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait—believing that a unified response was necessary to deter Iran. Yet, these efforts met with considerable resistance, as many of the other Arab states rejected the idea of increasing violence in the region.
The report indicates that the UAE's push for military collaboration came in the aftermath of Iran's retaliatory strikes against US-Israeli targets across the region, which involved hundreds of drones and missiles. The UAE's initial hopes were dashed when Bahrain and Kuwait aligned with Saudi Arabia to avoid direct involvement, Oman maintained a neutral stance, and Qatar opted for de-escalation and mediation instead of military action.
The GCC was established in 1981, primarily in response to perceived threats from Iran following the Islamic Revolution in 1979. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed highlighted this historical perspective during his discussions with other Arab leaders, emphasizing the need for a united front. Nonetheless, the reluctance of these leaders reflects a broader sentiment among the Gulf states to prioritize stability and economic investment over military escalation.
In recent years, leaders from the Gulf region, particularly Kuwait, have expressed caution due to memories of the devastation caused by previous US-led interventions. The report notes that the Trump administration is aware of the internal debates among Gulf leaders and has been advocating for a coordinated military response against Iran. Nevertheless, many leaders are hesitant to engage in another conflict.
As the UAE's diplomatic ties with Israel have strengthened, particularly following the 2020 Abraham Accords, it has become increasingly reliant on US and Israeli military support. This reliance has led the UAE to distance itself from its traditional regional partners, culminating in its recent exit from OPEC and its announced departure from the GCC.
The failure of the UAE to secure a collective military response against Iran raises questions about the future of regional alliances in the face of increasing tensions. The UAE's growing dependence on the United States and Israel for military support may lead to a reconfiguration of its relationships with other Arab states.
Simultaneously, the dynamics of the US-Israeli aggression against Iran continue to evolve. Reports indicate that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed on March 26, 2026, marking a notable moment in the burgeoning relations between Israel and the UAE. This meeting, which took place in Al Ain, UAE, highlighted the deepening military cooperation, including the deployment of Israeli military personnel and the Iron Dome missile defense system to assist the UAE.
As the situation develops, the implications for regional security and stability are considerable. The UAE's attempts to coordinate military action may resurface, particularly if Iran escalates its retaliatory measures. The broader response from the GCC states will be closely monitored, as their decisions could significantly influence the geopolitical balance in the region.
In the meantime, as tensions continue to rise, the international community watches closely. The outcomes of these developments will likely shape the future of Middle Eastern politics for years to come.