The United Arab Emirates has announced its exit from OPEC and the broader OPEC+ alliance, dealing a major blow to the oil-producing bloc and its de facto leader, Saudi Arabia. The move comes amid heightened regional tensions tied to conflict with Iran, which has disrupted energy shipments through the critical Strait of Hormuz, reports Reuters.
The UAE’s departure threatens to weaken OPEC unity at a time of global energy instability and could reshape oil production dynamics. It also reflects frustration with regional allies over security support during Iranian attacks, while aligning with longstanding criticism from Donald Trump regarding OPEC’s influence on oil prices. They write:
The United Arab Emirates said on Tuesday it quit OPEC and OPEC+, dealing a heavy blow to the oil exporting groups and their de facto leader, Saudi Arabia, at a time when the Iran war has caused a historic energy shock and unsettled the global economy. […]
But the UAE exit from OPEC represents a big win for U.S. President Donald Trump, who has accused the organisation of “ripping off the rest of the world” by inflating oil prices.
Read more here.
