The United Arab Emirates has taken a firm stance amid rising tensions between the United States and Iran, insisting that any future peace agreement must include guaranteed, permanent security for the Strait of Hormuz. This strategic waterway, vital to global oil shipments, cannot be compromised or used as leverage by any nation.
Dr. Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE President, emphasized that a peace deal ignoring Iran’s nuclear ambitions and its expanding missile and drone arsenal would only lead to a more unstable and dangerous Middle East. He highlighted the Strait of Hormuz as the world’s most crucial oil passage, underscoring its security as a matter of global economic importance rather than a regional bargaining chip.
The UAE’s position emerges amid ongoing conflict that began on February 28 following stalled nuclear negotiations. Since then, the US and Israel have launched a sustained military campaign targeting Iran’s nuclear and ballistic capabilities. In response, Iran has conducted multiple strikes across the region, with the UAE reportedly suffering the heaviest impact among Gulf states.
Gargash acknowledged that the region is currently facing its worst-case scenario with escalating Iranian attacks, yet affirmed the UAE’s resilience. He warned against any premature ceasefire that fails to address the underlying issues, particularly the continued use of drones and missiles against civilian and energy infrastructure throughout the Gulf.
In a significant development, the UAE rejected Iran’s attempts to weaken ties between Washington and its Gulf allies by targeting economic centers. Instead, the UAE plans to strengthen its security partnership with the United States and expand cooperation with other international allies, including France.
As the deadline set by US President Donald Trump approaches, with the possibility of further strikes on Iranian infrastructure, the UAE has expressed readiness to participate in international efforts to secure vital shipping routes. With approximately 20% of the world’s oil supply at risk, Abu Dhabi maintains it does not seek ongoing hostility but asserts that trust is unattainable under the current Iranian leadership, which it accuses of prioritizing regime survival over national welfare.
