The United Arab Emirates has discontinued its participation in the U.S.-led naval coalition in the Persian Gulf, reported Sputnik. Sputnik suggests its suspension is related to the U.A.E.’s diplomatic mission to Iran on May 31.
“As a result of our ongoing evaluation of effective security cooperation with all partners, two months ago, the U.A.E. withdrew its participation in the Combined Maritime Forces,” a statement from U.A.E. Foreign Ministry reported, also on May 31.
The statement simultaneously rejected claims that U.A.E. was frustrated with their U.S. counterparts over the recent seizures by Iranian forces of oil tankers in the Persian Gulf. “The U.A.E. has rejected the mischaracterization, in recent press reports, of U.S.-U.A.E. conversations regarding maritime security,” the statement continued. The Ministry further “stressed that the U.A.E. remains committed to responsibly ensuring the safety of navigation in its seas, in accordance with international law.”
