US officials push UAE to seize Iranian island: Report
Neither the US government nor the UAE has publicly commented on the reported discussions.
US officials are encouraging the United Arab Emirates to take a more direct role in the ongoing Iran conflict, including a proposal to seize one of Tehran's Gulf islands, according to a report by The Telegraph published.
The report said some individuals within US President Donald Trump's circle have suggested that the UAE could seize Lavan Island, an Iranian territory reportedly targeted in covert Emirati strikes in early April.
A former senior US security official was quoted as saying, "Go take 'em!", adding that it would involve "UAE boots on the ground instead of US forces."
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The proposal, however, has not been officially confirmed by Washington or Abu Dhabi.
Tensions in the region have intensified since the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran on 28 February amid rising confrontation over Tehran's regional activities and nuclear programme.
Iran responded with strikes targeting Israel and US-aligned countries in the Gulf, including the UAE. The conflict also led to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route.
A brief ceasefire came into effect on 8 April through Pakistani mediation, but subsequent talks in Islamabad failed to produce a lasting settlement. The truce was later extended indefinitely by Trump, according to the report.
Neither the US government nor the UAE has publicly commented on the reported discussions.
