Amidst Iran’s seizure of commercial tankers in the Gulf, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced that it is no longer participating in a US-led maritime security force. The Emirati Foreign Ministry stated that the country had ceased participation in the Combined Maritime Forces two months ago, citing an “ongoing evaluation of effective security cooperation with all partners”. Political analysts suggest that the UAE is showing displeasure with American policy towards Iran and willingness to protect Gulf allies from the nation’s threats. The UAE and Saudi Arabia have both expressed unhappiness with US policy in the past. However, the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet spokesman, Cmdr. Timothy Hawkins, maintains that the UAE remains a “partner” despite its suspension of participation.
