Dr. Anwar Mohammed Gargash, the diplomatic advisor to the UAE President, recently underscored the nation’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding its achievements amid regional threats. His remarks highlighted the UAE’s strategic stance regarding Iranian aggression, marking Iran as a primary adversary to all Gulf nations. Gargash articulated the UAE’s robust defense readiness and proactive diplomatic initiatives aimed at countering Iranian actions, contributing to a significant discourse on security in the Gulf region.
Strategic Positioning Against Aggression
During a media session organized by the Dubai Press Club, Gargash asserted that the Iranian regime “has attacked everyone in the Gulf states… including intermediaries and those with diplomatic and economic ties.” He emphasized that this indiscriminate aggression targets all Gulf nations. “We are a transparent country… and we have legitimate questions regarding the Iranian nuclear file, ballistic missiles, and drones,” he added. He highlighted the UAE’s sovereign rights, stating, “Just as Iranians have the right to seek guarantees and compensations, we also have the right to demand assurances against such cowardly attacks and compensation for this assault.”
A Regional Perspective
Reflecting on the regional landscape, Gargash noted the divergent perceptions among Arab communities regarding adversarial relationships. “We understand that many Arab societies view Israel as the primary enemy, but the perspective in the Gulf differs… Iran has attacked Gulf states with thousands of missiles and drones; hence, we do not trust them and consider them a major enemy.” He underscored that “the principal strategic danger to the UAE and the Gulf originates from Tehran. This is not a call for aggression against Iran, but rather a clarification of the primary source of danger while keeping diplomatic channels open.”
Military Capabilities
Regarding military preparedness, Gargash stated, “We have defensive capabilities that we take pride in, and our readiness is advanced in areas such as surveillance, interception, and defense.” He credited the leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan with developing the UAE’s defense system to effectively counter various threats through multilayered air defense capabilities and advanced electronic security systems. He also revealed that “most of our armament and that of Gulf states is American-made, a testament to our reliance on this capability in facing Iranian aggression.”
International Relations and Regional Contributions
In discussing international support, Gargash noted that “most assistance and serious offers to bolster the UAE’s defensive efforts came from Western nations,” highlighting that some countries he did not expect reached out to offer substantial support. Conversely, he pointed out, “Some nations that we anticipated better positions did not provide any help during the early stages of the crisis but offered assistance much later.” He expressed disappointment from certain Arab and allied parties during the crisis but refrained from delving deeper into those details.
In terms of humanitarian efforts, Gargash reaffirmed the UAE’s steadfast support for the Palestinian cause, stating, “We have stood by the Palestinian issue and Gaza through concrete actions, providing humanitarian assistance when other nations merely issued statements.” Additionally, he raised legitimate questions regarding the effectiveness of Arab institutions amidst the ongoing Iranian aggression, criticizing the “weak political and security position of the Gulf Cooperation Council.”
Concluding his address, Gargash epitomized the UAE’s vision, stating, “We are a nation of peace, development, and prosperity… and we have demonstrated to the world our ability to defend these Emirati achievements. Yes, we emerged stronger.” He emphasized that while the UAE does not seek a return to war, it also does not desire a hollow peace, underscoring pivotal issues like ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. “We are poised to navigate this complex reality, despite Iran’s hostilities and regional challenges, and we will come out stronger,” he affirmed.