Iran war deepens Gulf animosity

The Iran war has significantly escalated tensions in the Gulf region, reigniting old fault lines and creating new ones, as evidenced by the United Arab Emirates' recent decision to leave the global oil producers' cartel Opec. The UAE's announcement on April 28 marks a notable shift in the dynamics of the region, highlighting the deepening animosities between Iran and its Gulf neighbours, as well as among the Gulf states themselves. This development comes as Iranian missiles and drones have struck various targets in Dubai, including the port, airport, and residential buildings, further exacerbating the situation.

The Iran war has brought to the forefront long-standing issues and rivalries in the Gulf, which had been simmering beneath the surface. The region's complex web of alliances and rivalries has been disrupted, leading to a reconfiguration of relationships and interests. Opec, founded in 1960, has been a rare example of successful multilateral cooperation in the region, enabling Gulf oil producers to regain control over their oil resources and finance their rapid development. Despite surviving numerous revolutions and wars, the organisation now faces a significant challenge with the UAE's withdrawal. This move underscores the profound impact of the Iran war on the region's geopolitics and economy.

The UAE's decision to leave Opec is a significant development, given the organisation's historical role in shaping the region's oil policies and financing its development. Opec's policies have allowed Gulf oil producers to accumulate substantial wealth, which has been invested in various sectors, including infrastructure, tourism, and finance. The organisation's success has also been attributed to its ability to balance the interests of its member states, ensuring a degree of cooperation and stability in the region. However, the Iran war has created new challenges, and the UAE's withdrawal from Opec may be a sign of the emerging fissures among Gulf states.

As the situation in the Gulf continues to unfold, Qatar and other Gulf countries are closely monitoring the developments, given their significant stakes in the region's stability and security. The Iran war has far-reaching implications for the Gulf, and its impact will be felt across various sectors, including energy, trade, and tourism. The region's leaders will need to navigate these complex challenges, balancing their national interests with the need for regional cooperation and stability. From a Qatari perspective, the deepening animosities in the Gulf are a concern, as they have the potential to disrupt the region's delicate balance of power and undermine its economic prosperity. As such, Qatar will likely continue to advocate for dialogue and cooperation, seeking to mitigate the effects of the Iran war and promote a more stable and secure Gulf region.