Iran War Widens Gulf State Fissures

(The Soufan Center) The Iran war has widened differences between Saudi Arabia, which favors accommodation with Iran and Iran-backed regional actors, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which believes military confrontation with Iran and its allies can produce transformative change. Most of the Arab Gulf states are following Saudi Arabia’s lead by advocating for de-escalation and accommodation of some of Tehran’s interests. Iran has targeted the UAE more than any other regional state but doing so has driven the UAE into a close partnership with the U.S. and Israel. All the Gulf states are concerned that a prolonged conflict will set back, if not derail outright, their economic diversification programs that depend on expanding industries beyond the energy sector. – Iran War Widens Gulf State Fissures – The Soufan Center