Iran warns Gulf countries against helping US after UAE cuts trade ties

TEHRAN: Iran's armed forces have issued a warning to Gulf countries against aiding the US military following the UAE's decision to sever economic ties with Tehran over new attacks on shipping. The Gulf region is home to numerous US military installations, including the UAE, which reported Iran fired two ballistic missiles at vessels off its coast on Tuesday.

Despite a recent lull in hostilities between the US and Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, which Tehran has blockaded and through which most UAE ports' vessels must pass, remains a flashpoint, and attacks on commercial ships continue. Following the collapse of a framework US-Iran deal aimed at reopening the vital trade corridor, Iranian armed forces chief of staff Ali Abdollahi declared that any assistance provided to the US military would be considered participation in the US military operation.

The war between Iran and the US began on February 28 with US-Israeli strikes on Iran, which retaliated with missile and drone strikes across the region. Middle Eastern countries have largely pledged not to allow the US to use their territory as a launchpad for attacks, but Abdollahi expressed doubt about these promises. The UAE recently halted all economic dealings with Iran, accusing Iran of firing two ballistic missiles towards the country, though Iran categorically rejected this claim.

Diplomatic efforts to settle the conflict have stalled, with recent US President Donald Trump asserting that no talks or conversations were taking place with Iran, despite reports of active discussions between US envoy Jared Kushner and Iran.