UAE

According to regional analysts, Gulf leaders fear that even a limited American strike on Iranian energy or military infrastructure could provoke retaliatory attacks targeting vital infrastructure.

The UAE as a strategic economic partner

Explosions were heard on Qeshm Island, where air defenses had been triggered, and pro-regime protesters chanted against Israel and the UAE, following US warnings of possible strikes.

"There seems to be a very good chance that they can work something out. If we can do that without bombing the hell out of them, I would be very happy," Trump told reporters.

Iran targeted numerous countries in the region, including the UAE, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and Iraq.

It’s possible the drone attack on the UAE on May 17 was an Iranian message that it will increase its list of targets in the country.

The UAE's Foreign Ministry later said that the incident was a "terrorist attack" that "constitutes a "dangerous escalation, an unacceptable act of aggression, and a direct threat."

A former senior Trump security official told the Telegraph that using UAE forces would avoid putting US troops in the line of fire.

As Israel heads to the 2026 elections, growing internal divisions may pose a greater threat than any external enemy.

The UAE attempted to convince Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and other Gulf states to coordinate a military response to Iran’s missile and drone attacks, but neighbors refused, sources told Bloomberg.