The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has recently signaled a significant shift in its security strategy by withdrawing from the US-led Combined Maritime Forces, a decision that was officially confirmed two months ago. This move underscores the evolving dynamics of international cooperation and the reassessment of security partnerships in a region marked by complex geopolitical undercurrents.
“As a result of our ongoing evaluation of effective security cooperation with all partners, two months ago, the UAE withdrew its participation in the Combined Maritime Forces,” declared the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement. The decision, while altering the texture of maritime security cooperation in the Gulf, also hints at a broader narrative of regional recalibration in response to the perceived shortcomings in US defense commitments.
The 34-nation task force, headquartered at the US naval base in Bahrain, was primarily established to enhance security through counterterrorism and counter-piracy operations in strategically critical maritime corridors such as the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. Notably, these waters have witnessed heightened tensions and incidents, including the seizure of two oil tankers in late April and early May by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. Such provocations have escalated concerns over maritime safety and freedom of navigation.
It has been reported by The Wall Street Journal, citing US and Gulf officials, that the UAE’s decision to withdraw from the coalition was fueled by frustration over what it sees as an inadequate US response to these Iranian threats. The UAE has been pressing for a more robust deterrence strategy. Yet, the UAE publicly denied that the report accurately portrayed its discussions with the United States, calling it a “mischaracterisation.”
Independent analysts have viewed the UAE’s move as indicative of a broader sentiment of dissatisfaction with Washington’s protective stance. Kristian Ulrichsen, a fellow at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, suggests that Abu Dhabi’s decision reflects its “frustration at the perceived lack of willingness of the US to actively protect its partners and re-establish credible deterrence in the Gulf.” Andreas Krieg from King’s College London also views this development as a reflection of strained UAE-US relations, with the UAE seeking to diversify its security partnerships.
The strategic repositioning also dovetails with regional developments like Saudi Arabia’s recent reconciliation with Iran, brokered by China. This move further signifies a departure from the long-standing reliance on the United States by Gulf Arab oil producers and suggests a new, more multipolar approach to regional security wherein local players actively seek to fill perceived voids.
Moreover, the UAE has resisted pressures from the United States to sever ties with other major powers such as Russia and China. Instead, it has advocated for a diversified network of partnerships that align with its security interests. “The UAE is also pushing back against US demands to sever relations with Russia and China … [because] they need to diversify their partnerships from the US, including with Russia and China, to serve its security interests,” says Krieg. This strategic autonomy demonstrates the UAE’s confidence in its sovereign capacity to navigate complex international waters.
Relevant articles:
– UAE withdraws from US-led maritime coalition, Al Jazeera, May 31, 2023
– UAE Says It Withdrew From US-Led Maritime Coalition, ایران اینترنشنال, May 31, 2023