The Pentagon is relocating fighter jets, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and other aircraft from the Emirati Al-Dhafra Air Base (AB) to Al-Udeid AB in Qatar.
This decision followed the UAE's move to restrict U.S. airstrikes launched from its territories against Iran, pro-Iran Iraqi factions, and the Yemeni Houthis.
Despite the Pentagon's assertion that the decision is a regular procedure, Emirati President Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed (MBZ) and his inner circle view it differently.
The note provides a comprehensive overview of the following aspects:
- The reason behind the U.S. decision as perceived by MBZ
- MBZ's views on the decision
- His current priority and its impact on U.S. military presence in the UAE
The note also highlights the UAE's potential reassessment of several defense agreements with its allies.
