Author: Samia Nakhoul and Maha El Dahan
DUBAI, April 6 (Reuters) – Any solution to the U.S.-Iran war must guarantee passage through the Strait of Hormuz, UAE official Anwar Gargash said, warning that a deal that failed to curb Iran’s nuclear program and its missiles and drones would pave the way for “a more dangerous and more volatile Middle East.”
The Strait of Hormuz – the world’s most important oil artery – cannot be weaponized, Gargash, the diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, told a weekend news conference, stressing that its security was not a regional bargaining chip but a global economic imperative.
“The Strait of Hormuz cannot be held hostage by any country,” Gargash said, adding that freedom of navigation in the waterway “must be an important part of the resolution of any conflict and have a clear agreement on this.”
Gargash said the UAE wanted an end to the war but warned against a ceasefire that would leave the root causes of instability unaddressed.
“We don’t want to see things escalate,” he said. “But we don’t want a ceasefire that fails to address some of the major issues that will create a more dangerous environment in the region…especially the (Iranian) nuclear program, missiles and drones that are still raining down on us and other countries.”
US President Donald Trump has threatened “hell” on Tehran if it does not reach a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz by Tuesday’s deadline. In an expletive-laden post on his Truth Social platform on Sunday, Trump threatened further attacks on Iran’s energy and transportation infrastructure, which critics said would constitute a war crime.
The United States and Israel have been targeting Iran with missiles and airstrikes for more than five weeks to destroy what they say is an imminent threat posed by Iran’s nuclear weapons development program, arsenal of ballistic missiles and support for regional proxy militias.
The worst is happening
Gargash said the UAE is ready to join any U.S.-led international efforts to ensure the safety of shipping in the strait.
About a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies normally pass through Iran every day, but Iran’s actions have severely restricted traffic and triggered a global energy crisis.
The conflict erupted on February 28 when talks between Washington and Tehran aimed at reaching a nuclear deal stalled, and the United States and Israel subsequently attacked Iran. Iran has retaliated with waves of missiles and drones, targeting Israel, U.S. military bases in the region and critical Gulf energy infrastructure, including airports, ports and commercial centers.
The UAE has suffered more from Iranian attacks than any other Gulf state, according to regional officials.
Gargash said that for decades, the most unlikely worst-case scenario for the UAE was a full-scale attack by Iran — a scenario that is now unfolding. Still, the country has coped well, showing resilience and resourcefulness under pressure, he said.
He said the UAE’s economic fundamentals remained strong, laying the foundation for the country’s recovery, although he admitted it would take work.
Gargash said Iran’s strategy is likely to strengthen rather than weaken the Gulf’s security alliance with Washington, solidifying the U.S. military role in the region and expanding Israel’s influence. He said the United States will remain the UAE’s core security partner and Abu Dhabi will redouble its efforts to strengthen this relationship as regional threats intensify.
Regional officials believe Iran’s attacks on Gulf energy facilities and shipping lanes are a carefully planned attempt to raise costs for Washington’s Gulf Arab allies. By striking oil facilities, ports and major waterways, including the straits, Iran is counting on Gulf states to be alarmed by the economic shock and regional spillovers, forcing the United States to halt its actions.
This logic draws on years of efforts by the Gulf region to balance relations with Washington and Tehran, manage tensions and avoid direct confrontation. Many Gulf states have restored diplomatic ties with Iran and are trying to protect their economies from regional shocks, arguing that engagement reduces risks.
Gargash said Iran’s leadership was fighting to preserve “the regime, not the country” and he believed no sane government would accept such destruction simply because it claimed it had resisted. He said the UAE did not seek hostility to Iran but warned that trust was impossible under the current government in Tehran.
He said the UAE was grateful for the international support it received, singling out France as a staunch partner and praising Washington for its exceptional support, particularly in strengthening the UAE’s air defense capabilities.
(Writing by Samia Nakhoul; Editing by Lincoln Feast.)
