The current crisis is part of a larger conflict that began in late February 2026, when U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran triggered a war that has since drawn in much of the Middle East. The war has upended the Gulf's traditional security order, exposing the limits of American security guarantees and forcing regional states to adapt. Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks on U.S. bases and Gulf countries, while also disrupting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor for global oil. The conflict has also spread to Yemen, where Iran-aligned Houthi rebels have launched missiles at Israel and threatened Red Sea shipping routes.

The war has had severe economic consequences, including a spike in fuel prices and the release of emergency oil reserves by the International Energy Agency. The conflict has also tested the resilience of Gulf states, with the UAE intercepting over 90% of Iranian missiles during one operation, challenging assumptions about their fragility. The war has pushed Gulf states toward a more pragmatic relationship with Iran, driven by a desire for peace rather than trust. This larger arc of conflict and adaptation provides the backdrop for the UAE's current diplomatic push.