UAE Billionaire Khalaf Al Habtoor Challenges US President Donald Trump Over Iran Conflict
In a bold move, UAE billionaire Khalaf Al Habtoor, founder of the Al Habtoor Group, penned an open letter to US President Donald Trump on Thursday, directly questioning his authority to drag the Gulf and Middle East into the ongoing military conflict with Iran. The letter, authored in Arabic and shared on the social media platform X, raises critical concerns about the decision-making process behind the recent US-Israel attacks on Iran.
Questioning the Decision to Go to War
Al Habtoor's letter asks whether it was solely Trump's decision to initiate hostilities or if he was influenced by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This comes after the US and Israel launched coordinated attacks against Iran on Saturday, targeting its leadership and military infrastructure. In response, Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on the UAE and other Gulf countries, though most were intercepted and destroyed.
"You have placed the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Arab countries at the heart of a danger they did not choose," Al Habtoor stated. "Thank God, we are strong and capable of defending ourselves. We have armies and defences that protect our homelands. But the question remains: Who gave you permission to turn our region into a battlefield?"
Economic and Human Costs of the Conflict
The billionaire highlighted the severe economic implications of the war, citing estimates from the Institute for Policy Studies (IPS). According to Al Habtoor, direct military operations could cost between $40-65 billion, with potential economic impacts and indirect losses soaring to $210 billion if the conflict lasts four to five weeks. He emphasized that American taxpayers are funding a war that threatens their own peace and prosperity, with lives at stake in a conflict where they have "neither camel nor she-camel."
Broken Promises and Foreign Interventions
Al Habtoor accused Trump of breaking his promises to avoid foreign wars, pointing to military interventions in seven countries during his second term:
- Somalia
- Iraq
- Yemen
- Nigeria
- Syria
- Iran
- Venezuela
He noted that Trump directed over 658 foreign airstrikes in his first year, matching the total under former President Joe Biden's entire term, despite criticizing Biden for involving the US in foreign conflicts.
Declining Approval Ratings and Regional Consequences
The letter warns that Trump's approval ratings among Americans have dropped by about nine percent in 400 days due to these decisions. "Even within the US, there is growing concern about being dragged into a new war, and about exposing the lives of Americans, their economy, and their future to unnecessary risks," Al Habtoor wrote.
In a follow-up message on X, he questioned accountability for damages in the Gulf and Middle East: "Who will pay the price for the tensions imposed on us as a result of a conflict we have no part in among Iran, America and Israel?" He stressed that the region's economies, security, and stability are unfairly impacted by a confrontation they did not choose.
Call for Transparency and Peace
Al Habtoor concluded by demanding transparency and accountability, urging a shift toward peace. "The region needs a cool head, not more reactions that fan the flames higher," he asserted. The UAE and neighboring countries have consistently called for an end to the conflict and engagement in peace talks, emphasizing their role as advocates for stability.
The Al Habtoor Group, known for its vocal stance on global issues, continues to highlight the need for diplomatic solutions through its funded think tank, underscoring the billionaire's commitment to addressing topical challenges in the region and beyond.
