{
  "id": 1903519,
  "title": "Iran threatens Gulf states: ‘Helping the US military makes you a participant’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/iran-threatens-gulf-states-helping-the-us-military-makes-you-a",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-19T09:26:35.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2026/08/19/iran-threatens-gulf-states-helping-the-us-military-makes-you-a-participant/231944"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "TEHRAN, August 19 — Iran's armed forces have issued a stern warning to Gulf countries against providing assistance to the US military, following the UAE's decision to sever economic ties with Tehran in response to new attacks on shipping. The Gulf region is home to numerous US military installations, including the UAE, which reported Iranian missile strikes on ships near its coast on Tuesday. Despite a recent ceasefire between the US and Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, through which vessels from most UAE ports must pass, remains a volatile area, with attacks on commercial ships continuing. A US-Iran deal aimed at reopening the crucial trade route has fallen through, and while both nations claim to be exchanging messages, US President Donald Trump has stated that no talks are taking place, taunting Iran by branding the strait as a \"NEW US Territory\". Iranian military chief Ali Abdollahi declared on Wednesday that any support or facilitation of the US military is tantamount to participating in US military operations. He expressed doubt about Gulf countries' claims of unawareness of the situation, stating that a significant number of military aircraft, especially refueling planes, could not be present at regional bases without their knowledge. Iran has accused Gulf nations, such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain, of retaliating against Iran by striking targets within its borders, although these countries have largely denied the claims. The UAE has suspended all economic activities with Iran, citing regional tensions as the reason. Abu Dhabi had previously accused Iran of firing two ballistic missiles towards the country, one of which fell in its territorial waters. The Persian Gulf's two major trading partners, Iran and the UAE, have a history of cultural and historical connections, with the UAE having been a significant trading partner for Iran before the conflict. The UAE's decision to recall its ambassador and halt relations with Iran is the latest measure taken by Gulf states in the wake of the recent attacks. Diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis have hit a dead end, but US President Trump's envoy, Jared Kushner, claimed on Monday that the US and Iran were conducting \"very positive and active conversations\". However, Trump dismissed these talks on Tuesday, reasserting that the Strait of Hormuz remains closed due to Iran's blockade, which has impeded trade for months. Trump also retweeted a map depicting the strait as a \"NEW US Territory\", echoing previous threats to annex the vital oil and gas corridor. The ongoing conflict has led to a pause in US military operations, with the USS George Washington aircraft carrier being redeployed to the Middle East to provide support for the USS Abraham Lincoln, amid reports of deteriorating conditions aboard the carrier.",
  "summary": "TEHRAN, Aug 19 — Iran’s armed forces warned Gulf countries against assisting the US military on Wednesday, h...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "South China Morning Post",
        "title": "Iran warns Gulf nations against helping US as UAE halts trade ties",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/iran-warns-gulf-nations-against-helping-us-as-uae-halts-trade-ties",
        "published": "2026-08-19T10:35:35.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}