The Iranian military warned Gulf countries not to assist the US military in attacks after the UAE announced it was cutting trade relations with Iran following multiple attacks on ships off its coast.
On Wednesday, 19 Aug 2026 GMT+7, the Iranian military issued a statement warning Gulf countries not to provide any assistance to the US military, just hours after the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced it would sever economic ties with Tehran due to a new attack on a cargo ship.
General Ali Abdollahi, Chief of Staff of the Iranian military, warned, "Any assistance or facilitation to the invading US military constitutes participation in US military operations."
Although many Middle Eastern countries have stated they will not allow the US to use their territories as bases for attacks, General Abdollahi expressed skepticism about these promises.
"It is unlikely that a large number of military aircraft, especially refueling planes, would be present at regional bases without the host countries' knowledge," General Abdollahi said, adding that Gulf countries "should be aware that we are fully informed of all developments."
Despite a previous easing of tensions between the US and Iran, the Strait of Hormuz—blockaded by Iran—remains a strategically tense area with continued attacks on commercial vessels.
On Tuesday, the UAE revealed that Iran fired two missiles at a commercial ship off its coast, after which Afra Al Hameli, Director of Communications at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, announced the suspension of all economic transactions with Iran.
The framework agreement between the US and Iran to keep this vital trade route open has collapsed. Although both sides recently indicated diplomatic communications, US President Donald Trump confirmed on Tuesday that negotiations have ended, posting an image declaring the Strait of Hormuz as new US territory to provoke Iran.
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Source:cna