Middle East
After the Iran War, is UAE the odd man out?
Attacks from Tehran and the possibility of closer ties with Tel Aviv have left Abu Dhabi facing a difficult balancing act in a changing Gulf order.
June 18, 2026
Attacks from Tehran and the possibility of closer ties with Tel Aviv have left Abu Dhabi facing a difficult balancing act in a changing Gulf order.
The dual role underscores growing influence as both a practical trade hub and a balancing force in an increasingly volatile region.
Threats from Tehran and regional uncertainty are reshaping regional security, but not all Gulf states are moving in the same direction
Tehran has hit US military installations and a range of civilian sites, including the country's main airport, energy facilities, and a crucial desalination plant
Muscat is the only Gulf capital that has remained friendly with Tehran throughout the war. There is a reason for that, and why those relations will persist.
