US Pushes UAE to Seize Iranian Oil Island to Cut Exposure

The Trump administration is reportedly pushing the United Arab Emirates to seize Iran's Lavan Island as part of the escalating conflict, with officials suggesting Abu Dhabi put "boots on the ground" to reduce direct American military exposure. The proposal comes amid mounting U.S. war costs estimated at roughly $29 billion and significant depletion of American missile stockpiles, including THAAD interceptors, Patriot systems, and Tomahawk cruise missiles, according to Pentagon officials cited by the Telegraph. On May 17, 2026, a drone strike caused a fire at an electrical generator outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the UAE's Al Dhafra region, raising concerns about escalating Iranian retaliation. Abu Dhabi reported no injuries or radiological release, with the International Atomic Energy Agency monitoring the situation closely. Iran has accused the UAE of being an "active partner" in attacks against them, having launched more than 3,000 missiles and drones at Emirati targets since late February, including airports, ports, oil facilities, and desalination plants. The UAE has emerged as Washington's closest regional partner in the conflict, with deepening military ties to Israel that include Iron Dome batteries sent to defend against Iranian attacks. While European NATO allies such as Germany, Spain, and the UK have publicly distanced themselves from the war, the UAE has reportedly conducted covert strikes on Iranian targets, including Lavan Island, which hosts critical oil export infrastructure. The UAE attempted unsuccessfully to rally Saudi Arabia and Qatar into a coordinated Gulf military campaign against Iran. Dr. Burcu Ozcelik of the Royal United Services Institute noted that while the conflict has accelerated U.S.-Israel-UAE alignment, this deeper cooperation could prompt other Arab states to view the Emirates as complicit in Israel's campaign in Gaza.