What's Behind The UAE's Decision To Cut Iran Trade Ties?

Experts have said that the UAE is sending a message to Iran, which has ramped up attacks on Emirati tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, while also signalling alignment with the United States -- although halting trade is expected to do little in the way of curbing illicit flows of sanctioned oil money.

The UAE this week announced suspending trade with Iran, heaping pressure on its major trading partner at the same time that the US declared "economic warfare" on Tehran. It is unclear when the ban came into place and what has prompted it, with the UAE citing "regional escalations".