The United Arab Emirates tried unsuccessfully to persuade fellow Gulf states to join a coordinated attack on Iran shortly after the US and Israel launched their campaign against the Islamic Republic, Bloomberg reports.
According to the news site, UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed spoke over the phone with other leaders in the region, including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, arguing for a collective campaign, but his counterparts refused.
This response may explain recent breaks between the UAE and fellow Gulf states, including the Emirates’ decision last month to leave the OPEC cartel.
Bloomberg also reports, citing people familiar with the matter, that Saudi Arabia struck Iran in March, but pivoted shortly thereafter to supporting Pakistani-led mediation efforts.
The UAE was reportedly upset it was not invited to play more of a role in that process.
According to the report, Qatar mulled retaliating after Iran hit its Ras Laffan liquefied natural gas plant — the largest in the world — but opted not to.
US President Donald Trump’s administration was aware of the UAE’s effort to set up a joint military response, and wanted Saudi Arabia and Qatar to join, the report said.
