Gargash: Iran strategy will strengthen US, Israeli role in Gulf

The diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, Anwar Gargash, said Iran’s strategy would reinforce the US role in the Gulf in the future rather than reduce it.

Speaking at a media briefing, Gargash said: “We will also see an increase in Israeli influence in the Gulf, not a decline,” stressing that “our main security partner is the United States, and we will strengthen our relationship with it”.

On international support for the United Arab Emirates, he added: “We are very grateful to many countries that are helping us. Many nations stand with us. France has been a consistent partner and its position has been excellent. The US stance has also been exceptional, with its support and efforts to strengthen our air defence capabilities.”

Gargash stressed that “the foundations are very strong for the UAE to return to its previous state, and we will return strongly, but we will have to make greater efforts.”

He added: “If you had asked me over the past 20 years about the worst possible scenario the UAE might face, I would have said a full Iranian attack. This is what we are seeing now. It was the worst-case scenario, and we are now adapting well and discovering our resilience and ability to manage the situation.”

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