The United Arab Emirates sent a clear message: "Strait of Hormuz cannot be held hostage by a single country"

“We also want an end to this conflict, but that end must not create lasting instability in the region,” he added. His strongest words were directed at Iran’s leadership, making a distinction between the state and its ruling regime. “We do not seek hostility with Iran, but we do not trust this regime,” he stated.

“The regime is fighting for its own survival, not for the state. No normal regime would accept this level of destruction… just to prove that it is resisting,” the UAE presidential diplomatic adviser said.

Conditions for lasting peace

Formulating the UAE’s concrete position, Gargash said that any future solution must include Iran’s neighbors, who in recent months have been targeted by severe attacks from Tehran’s regime, with the Emirates suffering the largest number of Iranian missile and drone strikes.

In a telling acknowledgment, Gargash listed “nuclear program, missiles, and drones, which continue to strike us and other countries” among the challenges that any future decision must address.

“If Iran wants a non-aggression agreement, it must apply to everyone. It is not only about U.S.-Israeli actions against Iran, but it must also address Iran’s hostility toward its neighbors. And when Iranians speak of compensation, it applies to our side as well,” Gargash added.

Strengthening the role of the U.S. and Israel

He warned that strategic consequences will likely reshape existing alliances, strengthening Israeli influence in the Gulf. “I believe Iran’s strategy will actually strengthen, not diminish, the U.S. role in the Gulf. We will also witness an increase, not a decrease, in Israel’s influence in the region,” Gargash told Euronews.

In a clear message to the Iranian regime, regarding Tehran’s demand that Gulf countries remove U.S. presence, Gargash emphasized: “The UAE’s main security partner is the United States, and we will further strengthen our relationship with them.”

He highlighted U.S. support and assistance to UAE air defense capabilities as exceptional. With U.S. support, the UAE official also praised the level of international backing the country receives. “We are very, very grateful to the many countries that assist us and stand with us,” he said, particularly noting France as a steadfast partner.

“We are ready to play our role in Hormuz”

The global crisis caused by the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz remains an immediate priority, and Gargash outlined the UAE’s response amid growing speculation about Gulf countries’ potential intervention to unblock this critical energy route. While the UAE does not position itself as a unilateral security actor, it signals readiness to act within a broader coalition framework.

“We are not prepared to act as a naval power, but we will join any effort led by the U.S. or an international initiative to secure navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. We are ready to play our role,” the UAE official said. He added that maritime security must be an integral part of any broader diplomatic solution. “This issue must be an integral part of resolving any conflict, with a clear agreement on it,” he said.

“For us, the Strait of Hormuz cannot be held hostage by one country,” Gargash stressed, adding that the matter transcends regional politics. “This is extremely important for the global economy and global trade, and it is a matter of critical importance for all.”

“The UAE will come back very strong”

The UAE presidential adviser stated that the country remains resilient amid the crisis and described the current situation as long-awaited, though rarely expected to actually occur. “If you had asked me over the last 20 years what would be the worst, though unlikely, scenario the UAE could face, I would have said — a comprehensive Iranian attack. And that is exactly what we are seeing now,” Gargash said.

“That was the worst-case scenario. And now that it is happening… we are seeing that we are coping very well, that we are highly resilient and resourceful,” he told Euronews, signaling to the world that the UAE can withstand the current crisis.

“The foundations for the UAE’s recovery are very solid. We will come back, and very strongly, but we will also have to roll up our sleeves,” Gargash concluded.