The report comes amid rising US war costs, a shrinking missile stockpile and reluctance among allies to get involved.
Some US officials are urging the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to seize one of Iran’s islands in the Persian Gulf, the Telegraph newspaper has reported, citing sources.
The island in question is Lavan, one of Iran’s most important oil export hubs, which hosts an oil refining, storage and loading infrastructure connected to several major crude oil fields. It also sits on top of a large natural gas reservoir.
Others in US President Donald Trump’s circle have suggested the UAE should take over the island, the outlet wrote on Saturday.
“Go get it! It’ll be UAE boots on the ground instead of the US,” quoted Trump’s former top security official as saying.
The reported proposal reflects growing pressure in Washington to reduce direct US military exposure as the war with Iran enters its third month.
Pentagon officials told Congress this month that the war has already cost the United States about $29 billion, much of it related to the use of missiles and air defense operations.
US defense analysts and military publications, meanwhile, have warned that weeks of intense attacks and operations involving THAAD missiles, Patriot systems and Tomahawk cruise missiles have significantly depleted America’s stockpiles.
The Pentagon has since accelerated efforts to replenish the inventory with low-cost, mass-produced weapons made by newer defense companies rather than relying solely on traditional military contractors.
The reported push for greater UAE involvement also comes amid a broader reluctance among US allies to increase their direct involvement in the conflict. While Washington has pressed allies to become more involved militarily against Iran, including naval operations in the Strait of Hormuz, several European NATO members, such as Germany, Spain, and Britain, have publicly distanced themselves from the war.
The UAE has emerged as one of the regional states that moved closer to Washington and Israel during the war. Tehran has accused Abu Dhabi of serving as a “base of enmity” for the activities of the United States and Israel, to retaliate against the target in the Emirates.
Emirati forces have reportedly carried out covert attacks on Iranian targets, including attacks on Lavan Island in April.
Saudi Arabia has also reportedly carried out a few attacks against Iran, but opposed the UAE’s efforts to organize a coordinated Gulf military campaign against the Islamic republic.
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