Iran warns Gulf nations against helping US as UAE halts trade ties

Iran's military chief cautioned Gulf nations against providing assistance to US forces following the UAE's decision to halt economic ties with Tehran. The United Arab Emirates severed trade relations with Iran in response to recent attacks on shipping vessels in the Gulf. Iran has a significant military presence in the region, with US military installations located in various Gulf countries, including the UAE.

The Strait of Hormuz, through which many of the UAE's vessels pass, remains a flashpoint in the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States. Despite a lull in hostilities, attacks on commercial ships continue, complicating efforts to reopen the vital trade route. The framework deal aimed at reopening the trade corridor between the US and Iran collapsed, and while both sides have claimed to be exchanging messages, the US President Donald Trump stated that talks were not ongoing and taunted Iran with a post depicting the strait as a "NEW U.S. Territory".

The Iranian armed forces chief of staff, Ali Abdollahi, warned that any assistance or facilitation provided to the US military would be viewed as participation in a US military operation. The war between Iran and the US began on February 28, following US-Israeli attacks on Iran, which retaliated with missile and drone strikes across the region.

Many Middle Eastern countries have pledged not to allow the US to use their territory as a launchpad for attacks; however, Abdollahi expressed doubt about countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain fully complying. The UAE announced on Tuesday that it was suspending all economic dealings with Iran, citing escalating regional tensions.

Earlier, Abu Dhabi accused Iran of firing two ballistic missiles towards the country, though Iran categorically rejected the claim. The close ties between the UAE and Iran, historically and culturally, have been strained by the conflict, with the UAE being a significant trading partner for US-sanctioned Iran before the war. The UAE's announcement was the latest measure taken against Iran by its Gulf neighbors, following the recall of the UAE's ambassador to Tehran and the closure of Iran-linked schools and a hospital.

Despite diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict, the US envoy, Jared Kushner, claimed on Monday that the US and Iran were having "very positive and active conversations." However, Trump denied these reports on Tuesday, maintaining that the Strait of Hormuz remained a "NEW U.S. Territory" under US control.