Anwar Gargash, a senior official in the United Arab Emirates, said a resumption of hostilities in the Iran war would be “catastrophic” for the Middle East, which has been embroiled in the US-Israeli conflict with the Islamic republic.In an interview with RFE/RL on May 22 at the annual Globsec security conference in Prague, the diplomatic adviser to the UAE president said only a “political resolution” could end an 11-week war that has disrupted international oil and gas supplies and upended the global economy.In response to the US-Israeli bombing campaign launched on February 28, Iran fired hundreds of drones and missiles at its neighbors in the Persian Gulf, including the UAE, an ally of the United States and Israel, which has borne the brunt of Tehran’s retaliation.The UAE has been the most hawkish country in the region toward Iran. Recent US media reports suggest the oil-rich country carried out secret attacks on Iran during the US-Israeli military campaign.Pakistan is mediating talks between Washington and Tehran over a deal to end the war. President Donald Trump has warned the United States could resume military action if the sides cannot reach a negotiated settlement.
Anwar Gargash at an event in Bahrain in 2023.
