In a mysterious turn of events, critical social media posts by a prominent Emirati billionaire targeting US President Donald Trump's handling of the war have been abruptly deleted. Khalaf Al Habtoor, an influential tycoon whose developments have shaped Dubai's iconic skyline, had vented his frustration online, accusing Trump of endangering Gulf states by involving them in the conflict with Iran.
Social Media Backlash and Swift Removal
Al Habtoor's tweets, which were widely followed and discussed in Gulf media, questioned Trump's authority to drag the region into war. He wrote pointedly, "Who gave you the authority to drag our region into a war with Iran? And on what basis did you make this dangerous decision? Did you calculate the collateral damage before pulling the trigger?" The posts also speculated on whether Trump acted alone or under pressure from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government.
Replaced by Praise for the UAE
Soon after being posted, the critical messages vanished without explanation, replaced by new tweets hailing the "beauty" of the United Arab Emirates. Al Habtoor wrote, "How beautiful our country is this morning, with clouds filling the sky and the rains of goodness pouring down upon the land of the Emirates." This shift coincided with a stark warning from UAE authorities to the public about posting online content deemed harmful to "public order" or "national unity," with potential fines up to £58,000 or imprisonment.
Wider Political Context and Gulf Stance
The deletion occurs as the UAE, caught in the crossfire with Iranian drones and missiles targeting infrastructure, maintains a defensive posture. Gulf states have publicly stated they are not participating in operations against Iran and that their territory is not used for attacks. Analysts suggest these oil-rich nations are betting on restraint, fearing the costs of direct involvement outweigh benefits.
Pressure from US Allies
Despite this, pressure mounts from the US, with Senator Lindsey Graham, a Trump ally, criticising Gulf states for not joining the campaign. Al Habtoor had responded to Graham, asserting, "We will not enter this war to serve the interests of others, nor will we sacrifice our sons in a conflict that could have been avoided through diplomacy and political solutions." The UAE rulers have limited their comments to condemning Iranian aggression, avoiding broader political statements on the conflict.
This incident highlights the delicate balance Gulf states face between domestic stability, international alliances, and the risks of regional escalation, as social media becomes a battleground for dissent and control.
