US officials pushing UAE to seize Iranian island: Report
US officials are reportedly encouraging the UAE to escalate its involvement in the Iran war by seizing Lavan Island, a move that comes amidst high regional tensions and stalled ceasefire talks.
- World
- Anadolu Agency
- Published Date: 11:48 | 16 May 2026
US officials are encouraging the United Arab Emirates to "get more heavily involved in the Iran war and seize one of Tehran's Gulf islands," The Telegraph reported Saturday.
A former senior US security official told the newspaper that some people within US President Donald Trump's circle have proposed that the UAE seize Lavan Island, which was reportedly targeted in covert Emirati military strikes in early April.
"Go take 'em!" the official was quoted as saying by the newspaper, adding: "It would be UAE boots on the ground instead of US."
Regional tensions have escalated since the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran on Feb. 28. In response.
Tehran retaliated with strikes targeting Israel as well as US allies in the Gulf, including the UAE, along with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
A ceasefire took effect on April 8 through Pakistani mediation, but talks in Islamabad failed to produce a lasting agreement. US President Donald Trump later extended the truce indefinitely.