UAE official Anwar Gargash said any settlement of the US-Iran war must guarantee access through the Strait of ​Hormuz, warning that a deal that fails to rein in Iran’s nuclear programme and its missiles and drones would pave the way for “a more dangerous, more ‌volatile Middle East.“

Gargash, the diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, told a weekend briefing that the Strait of Hormuz — the world’s most critical oil artery — cannot be weaponised, stressing that its security is not a regional bargaining chip but a global economic imperative.

“The Strait of Hormuz cannot be held hostage by any country,” said Gargash, adding that freedom of navigation through the waterway “has to be part and parcel of the settlement of any ​conflict with clear agreement on that.”

Gargash said the UAE wants the war to end, but warned against a ceasefire that leaves the root causes of instability unresolved.

“We don’t ​want to see more and more escalation,” he said. “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…notably (Iran’s) nuclear programme, the missiles and drones that are still raining down on us and on other countries.“

Worst-case scenario unfolding

Gargash said the United Arab Emirates was ready to join any ​US-led international effort to secure shipping through the strait.

Gargash said that for decades, the most unlikely worst‑case scenario for the UAE had been a full Iranian attack — a scenario that is now unfolding.

Despite that, he said, the country was coping well, demonstrating resilience and resourcefulness under pressure.

He said the UAE’s economic fundamentals remained strong and positioned the country for a recovery, though he acknowledged it ​would require effort.

Gargash said Iran’s strategy was likely ​to harden the Gulf’s security alignment ⁠with Washington rather than reduce it, entrenching the US military role in the region and amplifying Israel’s footprint.

He said the US would remain the UAE’s core security partner and that Abu Dhabi would double down on that relationship as regional threats intensify.

Iran’s strikes on Gulf energy facilities ​and shipping lanes were seen by regional officials as a calculated attempt to raise the costs for Washington’s Gulf Arab allies.

By ​hitting oil facilities, ports ⁠and key waterways — including the Strait — Iran banked on Gulf states, alarmed by economic shock and regional spillover, to press the United States to halt its campaign.

Gargash said Iran’s leadership was fighting to preserve the “regime, not the country”, arguing that no normal government ​would accept such destruction simply to claim it had resisted.

He said the UAE did not seek hostility with Iran, but warned that trust was impossible under the current Tehran government.

The UAE was grateful, he said, for the international ​support it has received, singling out France as a steadfast partner and praising Washington for its exceptional backing, particularly in strengthening the UAE’s air‑defence capabilities.