• Anwar Gargash, a senior UAE diplomatic adviser, states the UAE could collaborate with other nations to secure the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil chokepoint handling 20% of global supply, amid rising regional hostilities.
  • Iran's recent missile and drone attacks on UAE and Gulf facilities, including oil infrastructure, have prompted UAE interceptions and heightened fears of supply disruptions, with oil prices surging as a result.
  • The UAE emphasizes mediation and de-escalation, criticizing Iran's actions as unjustified aggression, while residents report normalcy bolstered by effective air defenses and emergency plans.

Anwar Gargash, a senior diplomatic adviser to the UAE, recently indicated that the Emirates could play a part, alongside other countries, in ensuring the safety and security of the Strait of Hormuz. This comes as tensions in the region escalate, with Iran launching missile and drone attacks on UAE and Gulf facilities, including key oil infrastructure. On March 13, 2026, the UAE intercepted 9 ballistic missiles and 33 drones, underscoring the immediate threats to stability.

Gargash highlighted Iran's "military failure, political isolation, and moral bankruptcy" in targeting neighboring states, while affirming the UAE's restraint despite its right to self-defense. The tensions stem from alleged US strikes on Iranian sites using UAE proximity, a claim denied by Gulf states, with Iran threatening further retaliation but avoiding populated areas. Efforts to de-escalate have hit a snag, as UAE mediation attempts were reportedly rebuffed, according to people familiar with the matter.

Economically, the stakes are high. Recent fires at Fujairah port, caused by intercepted drones, expose vulnerabilities in oil supply chains. Without a deal to secure the strait, global markets could face severe disruptions, driving prices higher. President Trump has called for international warships from China, Europe, and others to ensure safe passage, aligning with Gargash's remarks made in response to US "Operation Epic Fury" on March 14. Iran claims the strait remains open except to attackers and allies, but experts warn that intensified strikes on Gulf oil sites, as threatened by Iranian officials, could erode trust long-term.

Politically, the UAE prioritizes dialogue over confrontation, a stance Gargash has consistently advocated. Gulf states hosting US bases deny facilitating strikes, straining UAE-Iran ties historically marked by restraint. "What we're focused on is regulatory stability and avoiding war," Gargash said, paraphrasing his emphasis on national unity and resilience. Attempts to reach Iranian officials for comment were unsuccessful, but sources indicate that multinational naval efforts may be in the works to stabilize shipping lanes.

Societally, UAE residents face daily threats but report a sense of normalcy, thanks to robust air defenses and emergency preparedness. Public vigilance against misinformation is urged during the crisis, with stakeholders like oil workers and expatriates benefiting from the UAE's stability focus. However, prolonged strikes could heighten anxiety, impacting daily life and economic confidence.

Looking ahead, short-term risks include more Iranian attacks on Gulf oil sites, while long-term, eroded trust could hinder post-war normalization. The UAE's push for mediation aims to exit this cycle of hostility, with Gargash noting that past incidents, such as tanker attacks blamed on Iran, have shaped current diplomacy. As the situation develops, market watchers will monitor oil prices and diplomatic moves closely, with updates expected on filing deadlines for security agreements.