The political scientist assessed the chances of the UAE in a military confrontation with Iran

The naval forces of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have gained a reputation as one of the most powerful structures in the Persian Gulf after reports of serious losses of the Iranian Navy. However, the UAE's military might is common for a regional power and is insufficient in the current situation in the Strait of Hormuz. This opinion was expressed by Danila Krylov, a researcher at the Department of the Near and Post-Soviet East at the Institute of Scientific Information on Social Sciences (INION) of the Russian Academy of Sciences, in an interview with Izvestia.

"The Emirates has several frigates, amphibious assault ships, a certain number of coast guard vessels, perhaps even something larger. They also have modern aircraft, even marines, and the army consists of nine brigades of ground forces. This is a sufficient contingent to provide defense in regional conditions," the political scientist admitted.

But the Emirati fleet is called the most significant in the region only because the Iranian fleet has been destroyed, the expert stressed. At the same time, there is currently no information about where the Iranian submarines are located, the stock of which is estimated at 25 submarines.

Meanwhile, the media reports on the UAE's desire to create a coalition with the United States that will open the Strait of Hormuz. However, so far Abu Dhabi has not entered into a confrontation with Tehran. Iran has not yet attacked Emirati military installations and infrastructure, attacking only what relates to the United States, the source recalled.

"Are the Emirates aware of the seriousness and are they ready to face the loss of personnel on their land, the destruction of infrastructure, the loss of equipment and expensive ships?" the analyst wondered.

The destroyed Iranian fleet is only an obstacle for Tehran, which will prevent it from actively operating in the sea area and imposing its conditions, he admitted. But the country's armed forces still have unmanned vessels, drones and anti-ship missiles, as well as aircraft that can launch strikes, Krylov warned.

Read more about the possible participation of the UAE in lifting the blockade from the Strait of Hormuz in the Izvestia article.

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