UAE Adviser Warns Military Options Fail to Solve Iran Crisis

Anwar Gargash, a presidential adviser to the United Arab Emirates, stated on Sunday that military solutions do not provide a rapid exit from the ongoing crisis with Iran. Speaking at the Manama Dialogue in Bahrain, Gargash emphasized that political tools remain the primary mechanism for resolving the standoff between Washington and Tehran. He argued that introducing further military action would complicate an already complex regional situation rather than simplify it.

The UAE hopes for a diplomatic breakthrough through mediations currently led by Qatar. Gargash described the current period as a watershed moment for the region and the world. The conflict began on February 28 with joint strikes by the United States and Israel, followed by Iranian attacks on Gulf nations. He told the audience at the annual security summit, organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, that the region does not want to see another round of confrontation.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated that negotiators are in Qatar discussing a proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Araghchi stated that no direct talks are currently being held with the United States. He said the final outcome depends on responses from Washington to specific questions raised by Iran. In a Telegram interview, Araghchi expressed hope that the U.S. would choose diplomacy over other paths, noting that Iran is prepared for both defense and diplomacy based on U.S. rationality.

Gargash acknowledged that the stances of the U.S. and Iran are currently far apart according to logical assessment. He warned that if these positions are not bridged, the region must prepare for the worst-case scenario. He noted that enduring another round of war is not in the interest of the region or Iran. Other Gulf and Arab officials at the forum shared this sentiment. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty stated that a second round of escalation would be more dangerous and destructive, leading nowhere.

The UAE faced the highest number of airborne attacks from Iran before the April ceasefire. According to the IISS, more than 3,000 drone and ballistic missile attacks targeted airports, military installations, and oil facilities. Most of these attacks were intercepted. Since the conflict began, Gulf nations have spent billions of dollars to enhance their defense capabilities. Gargash said the war has solidified U.S.-UAE relations, making the partnership more important to the UAE's ability to defend itself.

Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani said his country welcomes efforts to reduce tensions and create dialogue opportunities. He described a pattern of Iranian attacks or threats targeting sea, air, and data facilities that threaten regional stability. He noted that Iran continued these actions after the ceasefire, including threats to underwater data cables last month. Al Zayani included attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels on Saudi Arabia in this pattern, stating that the approach remains consistent even if the actors change.

At the height of the war, Iran fired 500 drones and nearly 200 ballistic missiles at Bahrain, home to the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet. The IISS reported that these attacks struck the naval base, residential buildings, the financial district, and a water desalination plant. This summer, Houthi rebels escalated attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure and airports in response to Saudi airstrikes on Sanaa airport. These strikes hit critical oil pipelines and disrupted air traffic in the kingdom.

A lack of coordinated defense response among the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council weighed heavily on discussions at the forum. During the peak of the war, Gulf countries that bore the brunt of Iranian strikes operated at the national level. They worked with U.S. command and control centers in the region. The IISS noted that this approach at times hindered the overall defensive effort. The GCC includes Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman.

Gargash offered a candid criticism of the regional response. He stated that the Gulf states have not collectively risen to the challenge, though they have done so individually or through bilateral cooperation. He admitted that in one of the region's most critical crises, the collective effort fell short of the necessary standard.