UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash has expressed growing concern over Iran’s nuclear ambitions, saying the issue has now become the country’s top security worry. He explained that the Iranian nuclear program was once considered the UAE’s second or third biggest concern, but regional tensions and recent developments have pushed it to the top of the list.
Gargash said Iran has the capability to use every weapon at its disposal, a situation that continues to alarm Gulf nations. He warned that another military confrontation between the United States and Iran would further destabilize the Middle East and deepen existing political and security challenges across the region.
He also highlighted the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that any disruption or change in the waterway would not only affect Middle Eastern countries but also seriously impact Europe’s energy supplies and trade routes. According to him, European nations should treat the security of the Strait of Hormuz as a direct economic and energy concern rather than a distant regional issue.
While emphasizing the importance of diplomacy, Gargash said the UAE still supports political and diplomatic solutions. However, he cautioned that any agreement or negotiation process should avoid creating new long-term complications for the region.
Speaking about energy policy, Gargash revealed that the UAE had considered leaving OPEC over the past three years, reflecting ongoing discussions about the country’s strategic economic direction.
He further stated that relations with the United States have become the backbone of Gulf security systems. In his view, Washington now holds a more central role in the calculations and defense strategies of Gulf countries than ever before.
