UAE Exits OPEC and OPEC+ Amid Iran War Fears
The United Arab Emirates has officially withdrawn from OPEC and OPEC+, a move that challenges Saudi Arabia's dominance in global oil diplomacy. The departure is driven by security concerns during the Iran war and strategic alignment with U.S. interests, creating significant uncertainty in energy markets.
According to News.Az, citing Reuters, the UAE has quit OPEC and OPEC+ amid frustration over weak protection from Iranian attacks. Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, voiced concerns that Arab and Gulf partners had not responded firmly enough to strikes blamed on Iran.
The move is seen as a strategic gain for U.S. President Donald Trump, who has accused OPEC of 'ripping off the rest of the world' by keeping crude costs high. The UAE is a key business and security partner for Washington, and its departure from OPEC and OPEC+ adds further uncertainty to oil markets already shaken by the Iran war.