Iran was in deep crisis before the coronavirus (COVID-19) hit. The economy shrunk by approximately 10% in 2019, mostly the result of US sanctions, with no relief expected this year. Demonstrations broke out after the initial misinformation and deception over the accidental shootdown of the Ukrainian passenger plane Jan. 6. Then came COVID-19, and initial mixed messages from the Iranian leadership, intensifying a crisis of public confidence, and further strangling the economy, as we reported here.

And just this week the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that Iran has increased its stock of enriched uranium, cutting its timeline for development of a nuclear weapon, it chooses to do so.

All this has given further priority to Iran as both a regional and global challenge for the Trump Administration and its friends in the region. 

In both its response to the coronavirus and by example with its peaceful nuclear program, the United Arab Emirates, a longtime rival of Iran and close partner of the United States, is proposing a "roadmap to boost stability in the region." The UAE’s approach complements US policies in dealing with both the health and security risks from Iran, which are increasing, it seems, by the day.