Trump Officials Pressured UAE to Seize Iranian Island in 2020s

Middle Eastern outlets highlight the Telegraph report that Trump-era US officials encouraged the UAE to seize an Iranian island, portraying it as evidence of Washington’s willingness to inflame Gulf disputes. The drone strike near the UAE nuclear plant is often discussed alongside this report, with some coverage suggesting Iran or allied groups may be responding to perceived US-backed threats. Regional media expect the UN Security Council briefing to expose both the danger of attacks on nuclear sites and the risks of outside powers pushing Gulf states toward confrontation.

• •Middle Eastern reports say former Trump officials urged Abu Dhabi to seize an Iranian island in the Persian Gulf.
• •Coverage links the island proposal to long-running disputes between Iran and Gulf states over Gulf islands.
• •Regional outlets describe the Barakah drone strike as a likely response by Iran or Iran-aligned groups to pressure from the US and its Gulf partners.
• •Commentary argues that US encouragement of an island seizure shows disregard for Gulf stability.
• •Some reports predict that Iran will cite the US island discussions to justify tougher actions against Gulf interests.