US President Donald Trump’s administration officials have reportedly encouraged the United Arab Emirates to take a more active role in the Iran conflict and to seize one of Iran’s strategic Gulf islands.

Axar.az reports, citing The Telegraph, that some individuals within Trump’s circle suggested that the UAE should take control of Lavan Island, which was struck during covert military operations in early April.

The article notes that since the escalation of the conflict between Iran, Israel, and the United States, the UAE has faced sustained Iranian retaliation, including large-scale missile and drone attacks. This has accelerated Abu Dhabi’s alignment with Washington and Tel Aviv, while simultaneously straining relations with several regional partners.

Journalists also reported that UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan initially sought to persuade Saudi Arabia and Qatar to join countermeasures against Iran at the beginning of the conflict, but was unsuccessful.

According to the report, the UAE is also said to have carried out strikes on several Iranian targets in early April, including facilities on Lavan Island, though this has not been officially confirmed.