RIYADH / ABU DHABI — March 24, 2026 : Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are taking coordinated political, military, and economic steps that indicate a possible shift toward direct involvement in ongoing operations against Iran, following sustained missile and drone attacks on critical infrastructure across the Gulf region.
The two states, which initially avoided participation when hostilities began in late February, are reassessing their positions amid continued strikes on energy facilities, ports, and urban centers. Regional officials and defense analysts indicate that the scale and persistence of the attacks have altered threat assessments, with both governments now weighing more active roles to protect economic and security interests.
Saudi Arabia Expands U.S. Military Access
Saudi Arabia has approved expanded access for United States forces to operate from its territory, marking a notable change in policy. The agreement includes the use of King Fahd Air Base in Taif, located in western Saudi Arabia near Jeddah.
The base offers logistical advantages, including proximity to Red Sea maritime routes and a location farther inland than previously utilized facilities such as Prince Sultan Air Base, reducing exposure to Iranian drone operations originating along the Gulf coastline. U.S. and Western officials familiar with the arrangement state that the site provides a more secure hub for staging and support operations.
Prior to the conflict, Riyadh had declined to permit the use of its airspace or bases for strikes on Iran, citing concerns over escalation. The shift follows repeated Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi infrastructure, including sites in Riyadh and the Red Sea port of Yanbu.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has held multiple discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump in recent weeks, according to officials briefed on the exchanges. Sources indicate that the Saudi leadership is focused on restoring deterrence and is nearing a decision on whether to formally join offensive operations. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan has publicly stated that the Kingdom’s tolerance for continued attacks is limited.
UAE Moves Against Iranian Networks and Assets
In parallel, the UAE has implemented measures targeting Iranian-linked institutions and financial networks within its jurisdiction. Authorities in Dubai have shut down entities including the Iranian Hospital and the Iranian Club, citing violations of national laws and alleged misuse connected to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Officials have also indicated that the UAE is preparing to freeze billions of dollars in Iranian assets. The move is intended to restrict Tehran’s access to foreign currency and limit its ability to sustain military and logistical operations through international financial channels.
During a recent call with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed stated that the country is preparing for a prolonged period of regional instability, with planning timelines extending up to nine months.
Continued Strikes Across Gulf Infrastructure
The policy shifts in Riyadh and Abu Dhabi follow repeated Iranian strikes across multiple Gulf states since the start of hostilities on February 28. Saudi Arabia has reported attacks on energy infrastructure and urban areas, while the UAE states it has intercepted more than 2,000 projectiles during the same period.
Beyond Saudi and Emirati territory, energy facilities in Qatar, including the Ras Laffan industrial complex, and sites in Kuwait have also been affected. The widening geographic scope of the attacks has increased concerns over regional energy security and supply continuity.
Maritime Risks and Naval Mine Deployment
The conflict has also expanded into maritime domains critical to global energy flows. Iran’s Defense Council warned on March 23 that any attack on its coastal territory or islands would lead to the mining of access routes across the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.
According to U.S. assessments, Iran has already deployed approximately a dozen naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz. Two primary types have been identified:
Moored mines, including the Maham-3, are anchored to the seabed and equipped with magnetic and acoustic sensors capable of detecting passing vessels without direct contact. These systems are considered effective in the shallow waters of the Gulf, where average depths of around 35 meters and environmental conditions complicate detection.
Drifting mines, such as the Maham-7, are designed to move with currents and can be deployed from ships or aircraft. These systems are more difficult to track and pose risks across a wider geographic area, including shipping lanes near Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE.
The U.S. military has reported the destruction of 16 Iranian vessels believed to be involved in mine-laying operations. Despite these actions, the presence of mines has led shipping companies and insurers to reassess transit through the Strait of Hormuz, a route that handles roughly 20 percent of global oil supply.
Mine clearance operations, if required at scale, would involve specialized vessels and could take months, with potential implications for global energy markets and pricing.
Diplomatic Channels Remain Open
Despite the military and economic measures being implemented, officials in both Saudi Arabia and the UAE have not formally announced entry into offensive operations. Diplomatic engagement with Iran continues, with both sides maintaining communication channels focused on de-escalation and regional stability.
The developments come as U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran enter their fourth week. While Gulf states have adjusted their positions in response to direct threats, their final decisions regarding participation in combat operations remain pending.
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