US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz has confirmed that Gulf allies are backing President Donald Trump’s economic and military pressure campaign against Iran following a diplomatic visit to Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom.
Waltz, who returned to the US on Thursday evening as reports of potential negotiations with Iran emerged, stated that regional leaders believe Tehran is experiencing significant economic strain from the combined pressure tactics.
“They very much support the blockade,” Waltz told Fox News Digital. “The UAE, in particular, believes that you have to keep that pressure and a very credible pressure. That’s what the Iranians understand and respond to.”
US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz is joined by Ambassador Jamal Fares Alrowaiei of Bahrain (left), Permanent Representative of the United Arab Emirates Mohamed Issa Abushahab,(right) and other Gulf states ambassadors as he speaks to reporters after the passing of a U.N. Security Council draft resolution on the situation with ships in the Strait of Hormuz on May 7, 2026 in New York City. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
The highest-level US official to visit the region since the conflict began, Waltz highlighted how Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s “Operation Economic Fury” is affecting the Iranian regime alongside traditional economic sanctions and naval blockades.
Regional leaders validated US assessments that Iran’s economy is deteriorating under mounting military pressure, sanctions, and international isolation. Waltz reported that Iran’s currency is collapsing, foreign reserves are depleted, inflation continues rising, and the regime struggles to fund its military, government employees, and security forces.
In the UAE, Waltz met with President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed and foreign ministers, describing Emiratis as among the most active regional partners against Iran. “There is zero daylight,” he said, noting that the UAE possesses both “the capability and the will” to sustain short-term sacrifices for the long-term goal of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
An Emirates aircraft flies past plumes of smoke from a fire near Dubai International Airport in Dubai on March 16, 2026, following missile and drone attacks across the UAE. (AFP/Getty Images)
Waltz noted that the UAE has endured the greatest impact from Iranian attacks, but has rapidly restored operations. The ambassador also emphasized how the Abraham Accords have shifted regional dynamics, with UAE-Israel partnership becoming a critical factor in the broader alliance against Iran.
Bahrain, hosting the US Fifth Fleet headquarters, remains a focal point in the regional tension. Iran’s direct attacks on the naval installation there and other Gulf targets demonstrate escalating hostilities around the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Aftermath of an Iranian missile strike on a Navy 5th Fleet installation in Bahrain is shown above. (Stringer/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Waltz accused Iran of deliberately targeting critical infrastructure with calculated precision, including fire suppression systems and emergency responders, to maximize damage at petroleum facilities.
Despite ongoing attacks, allied air defenses have successfully intercepted over 90% of Iranian missiles and drones, with US forces coordinating closely with Gulf partners.
A billboard depicting Iran’s supreme leaders since 1979: (L to R) Ayatollahs Ruhollah Khomeini (until 1989), Ali Khamenei (until 2026), and Mojtaba Khamenei (incumbent) is displayed above a highway in Tehran on March 10, 2026. Iran marked the appointment of Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei to replace his father as its supreme leader on March 9, 2026. (AFP/Via Getty Images)
Waltz concluded his regional tour in the United Kingdom, where officials demonstrated strong support at the UN Security Council. While acknowledging minor logistical challenges, he noted significant progress in addressing concerns and maintaining diplomatic unity on Iran.
“When we’re working to keep the Iranians isolated diplomatically, they’ve been very good to work with,” Waltz stated.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Michael Waltz speaks at an emergency Security Council meeting on the situation in Iran at United Nations headquarters on Feb. 28, 2026 in New York City. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
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