UAE demands guaranteed Hormuz access in any US-Iran deal
UAE official Anwar Gargash says any US-Iran deal must secure the Strait of Hormuz. He warned that Tehran's missile program must also be addressed for stability.
The United Arab Emirates has declared that any diplomatic resolution to the current conflict between the United States and Iran must include ironclad guarantees for the Strait of Hormuz. Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE presidency, cautioned that a settlement ignoring Tehran’s nuclear ambitions and its proliferation of missiles and drones would only lead to a more unstable Middle East. Gargash emphasized that the waterway, a vital artery for the global economy, cannot be used as a strategic bargaining chip.
The strategic importance of the strait is underscored by the fact that it carries approximately one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied gas. The ongoing hostilities have severely disrupted these flows, contributing to a significant energy crisis that has impacted the valuation of Brent Crude Oil and West Texas Oil. Gargash stated that the UAE is prepared to participate in international efforts led by Washington to safeguard commercial shipping in the region.
The Strait of Hormuz cannot be held hostage by any country, and freedom of navigation through the waterway has to be part and parcel of the settlement of any conflict with clear agreement on that.
Hostilities began on February 28 after nuclear talks reached an impasse, prompting military action from the U.S. and Israel. In the weeks since, Tehran has responded with drone and missile strikes targeting regional infrastructure. U.S. President Donald Trump has utilized TRUMP MEDIA & TECHNOLOGY GRO to broadcast warnings of intensified strikes against Iranian energy assets if a resolution is not reached immediately.
Gargash noted that the UAE has endured significant strikes during this period but remains economically resilient. He reiterated that the U.S. remains the nation's primary security partner, while also acknowledging the support of France and other international allies. He argued that Iran’s current strategy would likely strengthen the security ties between Gulf states and Western powers rather than diminish them.
We don’t want to see more and more escalation, but we don’t want a ceasefire that fails to address some of the main issues that will create a much more dangerous environment in the region.
While the UAE does not seek direct hostility with its neighbor, Gargash warned that building trust with the current government in Tehran is currently impossible. He concluded that the UAE would continue to prioritize its strategic relationship with the U.S. as regional threats continue to evolve.
