Iranian Proxy Attacks UAE Tankers; Possible International Implications

In August 2020, the UAE signed the Abraham Accords, normalising ties with Israel and since then, Jewish life in the nation has witnessed somewhat of a ‘Renaissance’ since.

In contrast, Houthis have been vehemently antisemitic and anti-Israel (just like their financers in Tehran) and expelled the last remnants of the millennia old Jewish community in 2021. One individual, Levy Salam Marhabi, is still being held captive by the militia. Only four other Jews – elderly men – are believed to remain in Yemen. 

This attack by an Iranian-backed group deep in the heartland of the UAE is very concerning not just for the for UAE, but also for Saudi, Israel and the rest of the world since the nation is such an important international trade hub, and also Dubai International Airport is the world’s busiest in terms of international passenger traffic. 

Also of note is that the UAE and Yemen – both share borders and are connected via land with Oman and Saudi Arabia. So, the question of how an Iranian-backed, Yemen-based Houthi militia struck a nation that it shares no border with, is definitely a huge concern. Saudi and Oman will possibly consider ramping up border security in light of this.

Some analysts claim that Iranian proxy in Lebanon, Hezbollah has more firepower than many small nations; Houthis are estimated to have more fighters and if they reach that level of sophistication in terms of technology and arsenal, it’s anyone’s guess what would ensue.

It is also possible that potentially more advanced drones could be used to target Israel, after bypassing the Saudi and Jordanian borders – this could be more taxing on the Iron Dome.