UAE demands guaranteed access to Strait of Hormuz in any US-Iran peace settlement

WEB DESK: The United Arab Emirates has issued a firm directive regarding the escalating conflict between the United States and Iran, insisting that the permanent protection of the Strait of Hormuz must be a non-negotiable pillar of any future peace deal.

Dr Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE President, warned that a settlement failing to address Iran’s nuclear ambitions and its proliferation of missiles and drones would merely pave the way for a “more dangerous and volatile” Middle East, according to Reuters.

Stressing that the waterway is the world’s most critical oil artery, Dr Gargash asserted that its security is a global economic imperative that cannot be used as a “regional bargaining chip” or held hostage by any single nation.

A region under fire

The UAE’s stance comes as the federation grapples with the fallout of a conflict that erupted on 28 February, following a deadlock in nuclear negotiations.

The subsequent military campaign by the US and Israel has seen five weeks of intensive strikes aimed at dismantling Tehran’s nuclear and ballistic capabilities.

In retaliation, Iran has launched waves of strikes across the region, with the UAE reportedly bearing the brunt of these attacks among Gulf states.

Gargash noted that while the “worst-case scenario” of a full Iranian attack is currently unfolding, the UAE remains resilient.

However, he cautioned against a premature ceasefire that leaves “root causes” unresolved, specifically citing the drones and missiles that continue to target civilian and energy infrastructure across the Gulf.

Hardening alliances amidst crisis

Despite Iran’s tactical attempts to drive a wedge between Washington and its Gulf allies by targeting economic hubs, Gargash suggested the strategy has backfired.

Instead of distancing themselves from the West, the UAE intends to “double down” on its security partnership with the United States and broaden its alignment with international partners, including France.

As the Tuesday deadline set by US President Donald Trump approaches with the threat of further strikes on Iranian infrastructure the UAE has expressed its readiness to join international efforts to secure shipping lanes.

With a fifth of the world’s oil supply at risk, Abu Dhabi maintains that while it does not seek permanent hostility, trust remains “impossible” under the current Tehran leadership, which it accuses of prioritising regime survival over the welfare of the country.