US Rewards UAE with Advanced AI for Iran Military Role

The United States has granted the United Arab Emirates expanded access to advanced artificial intelligence technology. No individual export license required. The Commerce Department's July 10th decision rewards the UAE for its critical role in Operation Epic Fury, the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran. According to Middle East Eye, Emirati forces conducted dozens of air strikes, intercepted hundreds of Iranian missiles, and secured the Strait of Hormuz during the conflict. The UAE also set up a joint defense fund with Israel. Under the new rule, Abu Dhabi and its AI giant G42 can now purchase Nvidia's most advanced chips without lengthy red tape, treatment on par with South Korea and key European allies. But the policy has stirred controversy in Washington. G42 is controlled by Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE's National Security advisor and a major business partner of the Trump family. In February, the UAE bought a $500 million stake in a Trump-linked cryptocurrency firm, a deal signed by the president's son. Lawmakers questioned whether personal business ties influenced the policy change, though the administration insists it's based solely on national security. The decision is part of a broader US strategy called Pax Silica, launched last ...