One of the most influential businessmen in the Gulf, Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, has released a powerful open letter addressing former U.S. President Donald Trump — and he did not hold back.
Al Habtoor, a billionaire, former diplomat, and a major voice in the UAE establishment, asked a blunt question:
“Who gave you the authority to drag our region into a war with Iran? Who gave you permission to turn our region into a battlefield?”
His message reflects growing frustration in the Gulf over the escalating conflict with Iran.
In the letter, Al Habtoor questioned whether the decision to escalate was truly Trump's — or if it came under pressure from Benjamin Netanyahu and his government. He also raised concerns about whether the potential collateral damage was calculated before military action began. �
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He warned that Gulf countries are now facing security threats they never chose, placing the region at the center of a conflict that could destabilize the Middle East. �
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Al Habtoor also referenced the “Board of Peace” initiative, which Gulf nations helped fund in the name of stability and cooperation. Now, with rising military escalation, he asked a direct question:
“Where did those peace initiatives go?” �
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The businessman reminded Trump of his campaign promises to avoid foreign wars, noting that military operations have already expanded into multiple countries including Somalia, Iraq, Yemen, Nigeria, Syria, Iran, and Venezuela.
He also highlighted the enormous financial cost of war — potentially tens of billions of dollars, funded largely by American taxpayers.
But the most powerful line came at the end of his message:
“True leadership is not measured by decisions of war, but by wisdom, respect for others, and the ability to pursue peace.” �
Canary
This statement matters because Al Habtoor is not an outsider. As chairman of the Al Habtoor Group and a prominent figure in the Gulf’s political and business circles, his public criticism signals growing unease among America’s closest Arab partners.