The UAE Targeted by Iran’s State-Censored Media and Armed Drones

Since the February 28 U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran, Iran’s state-censored media has focused on the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council, most recently on perceived divisions within the United Arab Emirates. Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps strategist Mehdi Kharatian gave an interview to the Tamam Rokh channel, with unknown affiliation, April 29. Since a May 2 post on X by the ruler of Dubai ruler, Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, Iranian analysts have sought to point out perceived fissures within the UAE. Furthermore, on May 4, Iran reportedly targeted the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone in the UAE, as well as oil tankers, to increase the risks associated with exporting oil through alternatives to the Strait of Hormuz.

• April 29: In an interview released on Tamam Rokh’s YouTube channel, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps strategist Mehdi Kharatian warned the United Arab Emirates:
  • “In our dealings with Israel, and even the United States, we have led them to misassess us. Should the war begin again, we will bring the Emirates back to the era of riding camels. We will do this. If necessary, we will occupy Abu Dhabi – we will do so if required. The Emiratis have engaged in evil in this region, and it is not limited to us.”
• May 4: IRGC-affiliated Tasnim News Agency’s Ali-Reza Majidi analyzed Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum’s X post in a video, fragments of which were released on the Telegram channel of IRGC-affiliate Akhbar va Tahlil-e Jang. Part one is an account of the X post, while part two and part three are more analytical:
  • Majidi: If UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan “decides to continue his shameful obstinance, this could create a real crisis within the UAE. What does it all mean for Iran? Power is in the hands of Abu Dhabi. If it chooses unilateralism, it has the means to do so, but the war will not end in a way benefiting the UAE. Bin Zayed’s risk has gone up considerably. If he commits such a mistake, and not benefitting from the war, his trouble will begin once the war is over, when we will witness wobbly governance in Abu Dhabi.”
  • Interviewer: “Is it possible to legally oppose him or the prime minister?”
  • Majidi: “Yes, there are legal paths, but as far as I remember, Abu Dhabi has veto in the Federal Supreme Council. If something is imposed on him, he can veto it. There is one legal structure and a parallel real structure. Military and security are the monopoly of Abu Dhabi. Possessing these powers, in the world of reality, it can act unilaterally.”

• May 4: Centrist Asr-e Iran, quoting the UAE Defense Ministry, reported four missiles and one armed drone were launched against Emirati territory, causing a fire in Fujairah Oil Industry Zone.

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