UAE'S Iran War Role May Grow Amid Trump's Push to Seize Lavan Island: Report | Firstpost Live | N18G

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[00:00:06]Hello and welcome to First Post Live where we bring you the day's top stories from across the world. I'm Joshua Barnes live from the First Post studios. Let's begin with the headlines.

[00:00:20]Asian markets have retreated while crude oil reaches a two-week high as the deadlock in US Iran talks continues.

[00:00:27]Trump has urged Iran to make a deal with the straight of Formuz remaining under an effective blockade.

[00:00:35]The cruise ship hit by an outbreak of the deadly Hanta virus has docked in the Dutch port of Rotterdam. Authorities have prepared quarantine arrangements for the MV Hondius with around 50 people set to disembark.

[00:00:51]Ukraine claims that a Russian drone hits a Chinese cargo ship in attacks overnight in the Black Sea. Both Moscow and Keev exchanged deadly strikes over the weekend with an Indian national among four killed in Russia.

[00:01:06]The UK deputy prime minister says Karma will not set out a timetable for his departure. The UK PM is under pressure facing a revolt within his own party with calls to step down after crushing election losses.

[00:01:23]And a tiger has been shot dead by German police after escaping a privatelyun enclosure in the city of Leipzig. One of the animals keepers had been seriously injured after being attacked.

[00:01:37]A fresh report in the US media now claims Israel secretly built not one but two covert military bases deep inside Iraq. The alleged outposts were hidden deep in Iraq's western desert and are said to have supported Israeli operations against Iran.

[00:01:54]The bombshell claim comes just days after reports first emerged about a secret Israeli base discovered in Iraq.

[00:02:01]That outpost was allegedly used during the ongoing West Asia war that erupted in February involving Israel, Iran, and the United States. But the newly claimed second base appears even more significant. Reports suggest it predates the current conflict and was already active during Operation Rising Lion, the intense 12-day war between Israel and Iran in June 2025. According to the report, Israel had quietly started preparing the base as early as 2024, and the US is said to have known about at least one of these covert facilities.

[00:02:36]The purpose of the bases was strategic.

[00:02:39]The outpost reportedly helped Israeli fighter jets cut down flight times while striking targets inside Iran. They also acted as logistical hubs for the Israeli Air Force. Special Forces teams, rescue crews, and emergency units were reportedly stationed in case Israeli pilots were shot down behind enemy lines. The bases allowed Israel to operate nearly 1,000 miles away from its territory while keeping backup teams ready in case missions went wrong. But Iraq has strongly denied these claims. A senior Iraqi security official dismissed reports of Israeli military activity in the Western Desert as false. On Sunday, Iraqi forces even escorted journalists to the alleged outpost location. The tour was organized in the remote Nuke Desert located in the southwest of Iraq.

[00:03:30]>> The special forces implemented a qualitative operation by carrying out an airdrop in the heart of the desert in coordination with the ground units of the Holy Carbala Operations Command. And it was a successful operation. The area was searched and inspected and there were no traces found of any presence of terrorists or others in this area.

[00:03:58]But as Iraq denies the existence of Israeli bases in its territory, officials acknowledged a mysterious armed presence in the desert. According to Iraqi officials, an unidentified foreign force was discovered in the desert in early March. When Iraqi troops moved to investigate, the patrol quickly came under attack. The foreign force later withdrew. Officials confirmed there had been a small short-term unauthorized force operating in the area, but they stopped short of identifying it as Israel. According to the reports, the first outpost was accidentally uncovered on March the 3rd by a shepherd roaming Iraq's western desert. A day later, the Shepherd reportedly alerted Iraqi authorities after spotting unusual activity. He observed the moment of soldiers, helicopters flying in and out, and tents clustered around a hidden landing strip.

[00:04:50]What he allegedly discovered was a closely guarded military secret. And according to the reports, the tip off may have cost him his life. After receiving the warning, the Iraqi military reportedly sent reconnaissance forces to the area, but the patrol is said to have walked into an ambush.

[00:05:07]Reports claim Israeli forces launched air strikes to stop Iraqi troops from reaching the base and exposing the operation. One Iraqi soldier was killed, two others were wounded, and two military vehicles were destroyed before Iraqi units then pulled back. Following the clash, Iraq filed a complaint at the United Nations. Initially, Baghdad blamed the United States for the attack, but Washington denied any involvement, and Israel has still not publicly confirmed the existence of the alleged bases.

[00:05:37]The reports have placed Iraq at the center of a dangerous regional shadow war marked by secrecy, covert operations, and crossborder missions.

[00:05:46]One question does remain, though. If these bases stayed hidden for so long, how many more could still be in the shadows?

[00:05:55]Moving on, a major new twist is now emerging in the widening conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel. Reports now suggest that Washington is quietly encouraging the United Arab Emirates to take a far more direct role in the war. According to a report by the Telegraph, members of President Donald Trump's inner circle have encouraged the UAE to seize Iranian territory in the Gulf, including Lavan Island, a strategic energy hub off Iran's southern coast. The island is critical to Iran's offshore oil network, serving as a major processing and export base for multiple Iranian oil fields. It also hosts storage facilities, a loading terminal, and operations linked to Iran's state oil company, making it one of Thran's most important energy assets in the entire region. In recent weeks, Iran has repeatedly accused the UAE of participating in USIsraeli military operations against Iran. Those accusations have grown louder after reports emerged that the UAE carried out secret strikes inside Iran earlier this year.

[00:07:00]>> I must say that the UAE was directly involved in the act of aggression against my country. When this aggression began, they even refused to condemn it.

[00:07:09]It also became clear that they participated in these attacks and may have even acted directly against us.

[00:07:16]But Abu Dhabi has also become increasingly open about its readiness to respond militarily to what it calls Iranian aggression. After a drone attack near the UAE's Baraka nuclear power plant, the Emirati foreign ministry called the incident a dangerous escalation and said the country would not tolerate threats to its security or sovereignty. As part of Iran's retalitary attacks in response to the USIsraeli strikes, the UAE has faced thousands of missiles and drones, more than any other US ally in the Gulf.

[00:07:47]Those attacks have disrupted air traffic, hit tourism, shaken investor confidence, and forced Abu Dhabi to reassess its security strategy. Analysts now say the war is pushing the UAE closer than ever to Washington and Tel Aviv. That alignment has become harder to ignore. Israel has reportedly supplied the UAE with the Iron Dome air defense batteries during this ongoing conflict. And Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed he made a secret visit to the UAE in March, a visit Abu Dhabi has officially denied.

[00:08:20]But at the same time, reports have also emerged of a visit by the Mossad chief to the UAE during the active phase of this war, further fueling speculation about deepening intelligence cooperation between the two countries. The UAE's relationship with Israel has expanded rapidly since the Abraham Accords was signed in 2020, but the current war appears to be pushing that partnership into open military and strategic territory.

[00:08:47]>> Can I say a word of appreciation, deep appreciation and admiration for the United Arab Emirates? I think that the UAE is an example. They were the first Abraham Accord member.

[00:09:00]But look at the benefits that they have had as a result. Israel just sent them iron dome batteries and personnel to help operate them.

[00:09:11]How come? Because there's an extraordinary relationship between the UAE and Israel based on the Abraham Accords. While the war has also exposed growing tensions between the UAE and some of its neighbors. Reports suggest Abu Dhabi was frustrated by what it saw as a weak response to the Iran war from regional groups like the Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council. Earlier this month, the UAE also decided to leave oil producing countries block OPEC, a move seen by many analysts as a further sign of strain with Saudi Arabia. For Iran, the possibility of a more military active UAE could open up a new front in the conflict. And for the UAE, any deeper military involvement risks making it an even bigger target for Iranian retaliation.

[00:10:00]Taiwan is trying to underscore the importance of its security ties with the US following President Donald Trump's highstakes visits to China.

[00:10:09]After the Trump Xi summit in Beijing, Taiwanese President Liing Tur has delivered a strong and carefully worded message. Lie reaffirmed what the US armed sales and security cooperation and saying that they are crucial for Taiwan.

[00:10:24]The island said it will not be sacrificed or traded away as part of any ideal between Beijing and Washington.

[00:10:32]The United States continued arms sales to Taiwan and deepening of Taiwan US security cooperation are not only necessary but also key elements in maintaining regional peace and stability.

[00:10:45]Well, President Li's comments reflect a deeper anxiety inside Taiwan that global power dynamics may be shifting. Li's remarks come in response to Trump saying that any further arm sales to Taiwan will depend on China. Trump also described any future weapon sale to Taiwan as a very good negotiating chip for the US. But why is Taiwan so concerned right now? While Trump's recent China trip was largely focused on trade and investments, the Taiwan issue also factored heavily in the discussions. China continues to view the island as a breakaway province that must eventually be reunified with the mainland. Taiwan, however, maintains that its future must be decided democratically by its own people.

[00:11:31]We must emphasize that the Republic of China is a sovereign and independent democratic country and Beijing has no right to claim jurisdiction over Taiwan.

[00:11:40]Our country also expresses its gratitude to President Trump for his continuous support for security in the Taiwan Strait since his first term. We will further deepen Taiwan US cooperation, bring peace through strength, and ensure security and stability in the Taiwan Strait, keeping it safe from threats and disruption.

[00:12:01]>> Now, Trump is yet to decide whether to approve a new arms package for Taiwan, even as reports suggest that a $14 billion weapons package awaits approval.

[00:12:10]That package reportedly includes missiles and air defense interceptors and has remained under consideration for several months. For years, Taiwan has heavily relied on US support and security backing to deter China from carrying out its threat to annex the island. Taiwan has also maintained that US security support is grounded in the Taiwan Relations Act, a key American law that forms the basis of Washington's defense ties with the island. But Trump's recent non-committal stance is ringing alarm bells in Taiwan. While Trump maintains there is no change in US policy towards Taiwan, his recent comments have raised concerns over Washington's future stance on the island's independence. President X and I talked a lot about Taiwan.

[00:12:54]Uh he thinks they cannot have anything to do with uh what they're doing. I mean, he's, you know, against very much what they're doing on Taiwan. He does not want to see a fight for independence because that would be a very strong confrontation and I I heard him out.

[00:13:15]>> And Taiwan was not mentioned in the White House fact sheets summarizing Trump's China visit. This despite several other issues like the Iran war, trade and investment being mentioned in the document. The fact sheet confirmed that the US and China will set up two boards for trade and investments for many in Taiwan. These developments signal a possible shift in Washington's priorities. With China expanding its military posturing around the island and Trump pushing for a new phase of engagement with Beijing, Taiwan now finds itself walking a diplomatic tightroppe. So for Taipei, the big question is no longer just about China's intentions, but whether the US will remain committed to its security in a rapidly changing global order.

[00:14:01]And what began as a partnership to build safe artificial intelligence has now turned into one of Silicon Valley's most dramatic courtroom battles. Tech billionaires Elon Musk and Sam Alman have spent weeks fighting over the future of open AI with accusations of betrayal, power struggles, secret messages, and billions of dollars at stake. As the high-profile AI trial nears its conclusion, here are five major takeaways that have defined the legal showdown. First, Elon Musk says he was misled. The Tesla CEO told the court he had helped create open AI with the aim of protecting humanity from dangerous artificial intelligence. Musk claimed he provided early funding, helped recruit key people, and trusted the company's original nonprofit mission. The billionaire said he later felt naive after Open AI grew into a company now valued at hundreds of billions of dollars. During the hearings, questions were also raised over OpenAI's evolving profit structure and who stands to benefit the most.

[00:15:05]>> In 2024, they decided to increase the share of all the other profit participants, including employees like Greg Brockman and we presume to be Sam Alman in the future by 20% annually. The chance of the nonprofit ever receiving that residual slice is almost non-existent.

[00:15:32]>> Well, Open AAI CEO Sam Alman strongly rejected Musk's claims during his testimony. Alman alleged that Musk once wanted near total control of OpenAI, including a majority stake in the company. He told the court that OpenAI's leaders did not believe such power should rest with a single person.

[00:15:50]OpenAI's legal team also defended the company's for-p profofit model, claiming it had helped create massive value for the organization.

[00:15:59]It is an enormous absolute amount of value that's been created for the nonprofit, $200 billion in counting. And what's important and what's missed in the rhetoric of our adversary is that that value could not have been created but for the steps that have been taken in connection with the for-profit project >> and open AI co-founder Greg Brockman faced questions over old personal journals presented in court. The notes reportedly included discussions about money, company control, and concerns over Musk's role inside OpenAI. Brockman also described a heated incident in 2017, claiming he thought Musk might physically confront him during an argument. Musk denied any wrongdoing, while Brockman said he had nothing to hide from his old writings. Now, the testimony of Siobhan Zillis drew major attention during the trial. Zillis, who has children with Musk, was questioned about her connections to both Musk and OpenAI leadership. Open AAI's legal team suggested she may have shared internal information with Musk while serving on the company's board. Reports suggest her text messages could now play a key role in determining whether Musk knew about OpenAI's direction years before filing this lawsuit. The trial was presided over by Judge Ivon Gonzalez Rogers. The judge kept the courtroom on a strict schedule throughout the hearings. The proceedings have been described as one of the most closely watched technology trials in recent years. Daily testimonies from top tech executives drew global attention. The case also brought some of the biggest names in the industry into the same courtroom. From Microsoft CEO to OpenAI executives and several former board members with arguments from both sides now complete.

[00:17:43]The case is expected to move to the jury with the review of the testimonies, private messages, and evidence presented during weeks of hearings before a final verdict is reached. The outcome of the case could have major consequences for Open AI, one of the world's most valuable AI companies. Legal experts believe the final decision could also impact how AI companies are governed and funded in the future. The verdict may also shape future debates around accountability in the artificial intelligence industry with the jury now reviewing arguments from both sides. The global tech industry is closely watching this case.

[00:18:21]Two billionaires, one company, and billions of dollars in the balance. Is this truly a fight over the safe future of artificial intelligence or just another highstakes Silicon Valley power battle? Well, that's all we have on the show for today. We'll see you again tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. with further updates. Until then, thanks for watching First Post Live.

[00:18:50]Power doesn't end quietly.

[00:18:54]Some deaths are not accidents. They are messages. A gunshot, a crowd, a country frozen, the killer disappears.

[00:19:06]The questions don't. This is not just about who died. It's about what followed. Governments fell. Armies moved. History rewrote itself. Five leaders.

[00:19:22]Five moments.

[00:19:24]One pattern.

[00:19:26]The assassination.