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

Iran’s military chief warned neighboring Gulf nations on Wednesday to refrain from aiding the United States military, just hours after the United Arab Emirates (UAE) severed economic ties with Tehran in response to recent attacks on shipping vessels. The UAE announced on Tuesday that all trade, commercial exchanges, and financial transactions with Iran would cease "until further notice."

This follows a recent escalation between the US and Iran, with the latter firing ballistic missiles at vessels off its coast. Despite a temporary lull in hostilities, the Strait of Hormuz, a key strategic chokepoint, remains a flashpoint for tensions.

The framework US-Iran deal aimed at reopening the vital trade corridor collapsed, and although both sides claimed ongoing communications, US President Donald Trump dismissed further talks, taunting Iran with a social media post claiming the strait was now a "NEW U.S. Territory." Iranian military chief Ali Abdollahi firmly stated that any assistance to the US military would constitute participation in their operation.

Iran’s parliament speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf visited Iraq to strengthen regional cooperation and resist foreign influence.

The conflict began on February 28 with US-Israeli assaults on Iran, prompting retaliatory missile and drone strikes from Tehran across the region. Many Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain, have vowed not to allow the US to utilize their territories for attacks. However, Abdollahi questioned the veracity of these assurances, stating that large military aircraft, especially refueling planes, could be present without host countries' knowledge.

The UAE has recalled its ambassador to Tehran and closed Iranian schools and a hospital. Their state-owned oil company, ADNOC, has faced repeated targeting by UAE tankers. Despite diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict, talks have stalled, and Trump's envoy, Jared Kushner, claimed on Monday that the US and Iran were engaging in "very positive and active conversations." However, Trump denied any ongoing negotiations, reaffirming the blockade of Iranian ports.