UAE Withdraws from Combined Maritime Forces

June 1, 2023

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has recently made headlines by withdrawing from the U.S.-led Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), a maritime coalition responsible for securing crucial Gulf waters. This decision comes amid rising tensions in the region and poses questions about the UAE’s motives and the potential consequences.

UAE’s Withdrawal from the Combined Maritime Forces

The UAE officially announced its withdrawal from the CMF two months ago, citing no specific reasons in the statement released by the Foreign Ministry. The CMF, established in 2001 and comprised of 38 partner nations, is responsible for ensuring security and stability in the Gulf waters, which are vital to global oil trade.

Tensions in the Gulf Waters

The Gulf waters, commonly referring to the Persian Gulf, have witnessed a series of incidents that have heightened tensions. Seizures and attacks on tankers, including the seizure of two tankers by Iran and a drone attack on an Israeli-owned tanker, have raised concerns about the safety and stability of the region.

U.S. Response: Reinforcements in the Gulf

In response to the increasing harassment by Iran, the United States announced the deployment of reinforcements to the Gulf. This move is aimed at addressing the escalating tensions and ensuring the security of the Gulf waters, which account for a significant portion of the world’s sea-borne oil trade.

Implications of the UAE’s Withdrawal

The UAE’s withdrawal from the CMF raises questions about its strategic calculations and potential implications for the coalition’s effectiveness. The decision may have ramifications on the overall security landscape in the Gulf waters, necessitating increased cooperation among the remaining partner nations.

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