By Avi Kaner

The Iranian regime has crossed another line.

The United Arab Emirates has confirmed that Iran attacked two tankers belonging to ADNOC as they were passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

Thankfully, no one was injured.

But think about what is happening here.

The UAE has spent years building one of the most successful, modern and forward-looking countries in the Middle East.

It has chosen trade over confrontation.

Economic development over extremism.

And it made the courageous decision to choose peace and regional cooperation.

And what is the Iranian regime offering the region?

Missiles, intimidation and piracy.

The Strait of Hormuz is not Iran’s private waterway. It is one of the most important arteries of the global economy. Commercial ships must be able to pass through it safely.

Attacking civilian commercial vessels is not resistance.

Using international shipping as a hostage to political demands is not diplomacy.

It is coercion.

And the UAE is absolutely right to call it out.

This isn’t only an attack on the Emirates. When the Iranian regime threatens freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, it threatens global energy supplies, international commerce and the economic security of countries thousands of miles away.

And I want to make one distinction very clear.

My criticism is directed at the Islamic Republic and the Revolutionary Guards, not at the Iranian people.

The Iranian people have given the world extraordinary contributions in science, culture, business and the arts. They deserve a government interested in building their future, not exporting conflict throughout their neighborhood.

Look at the contrast.

The UAE is building cities, businesses, universities, technology and relationships with the world.

The Iranian regime is attacking tankers.

That tells you almost everything you need to know about the two competing visions for the future of the Middle East.

I stand with the UAE.

I stand with freedom of navigation.

And I stand with the Iranian people who deserve a future defined by opportunity and peace, rather than the destructive policies of the regime that rules over them.