Senior officials from former U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration reportedly advised the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to take a more direct role in its ongoing conflict with Iran by seizing an Iranian island in the Persian Gulf. The British newspaper The Telegraph reported that Trump’s close associates suggested the UAE take control of Lavan Island, citing information from Middle East Eye.

According to the report, the proposal was made as tensions escalated in early April, when a secret Emirati operation allegedly targeted the island. A senior U.S. official was quoted as saying, “Go, take them,” adding that such an action would have placed Emirati rather than American troops on the ground.

The report highlights the extent of U.S. involvement in advising regional allies during heightened Gulf tensions, though it does not specify whether the UAE acted on the suggestion or how Iran responded.