The UAE and its Gulf neighbors are focused on diplomatic containment following recent security incidents across the region, according to Dr Anwar Gargash, the Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President.
In an interview with Sky News Arabia on February 28, Gargash emphasized that Gulf states had spent months trying to prevent the current escalation and remain committed to returning the crisis to negotiations.
“Military solutions complicate matters. They are not solutions in themselves, and there is no alternative to political solutions,”
he stated.
The advisor revealed that the latest escalation had been anticipated for months as tensions grew around nuclear negotiations and broader regional developments. Despite active diplomatic engagement, including clear assurances that Gulf territories and airspace would not be used in attacks, recent incidents have targeted facilities across the region.
“We made it clear that our bases, our airspace and our territories would not be used in any attack against Iran. We expected these messages to be respected, given that Iran is a neighbour to us and to other Gulf countries,”
Gargash said.
The developments come as major UAE airlines suspended operations and Dubai airports halted flights due to regional airspace closures.
Gargash warned that recent attacks targeting Gulf territories could reverse years of confidence-building efforts and create lasting regional hostility.
“The Iranian position is difficult to understand, and it reflects a lack of rational vision. There is short-sightedness. There will be hostility that will extend for years to come and a return to a lack of trust,”
he stated.
He pointed to active diplomatic roles played by Qatar in facilitating communication between Iran and the United States, Oman’s mediation efforts, and what he described as constructive engagement by Saudi Arabia and other regional partners in attempting to prevent escalation.
The UAE advisor said it remains too early to determine how events will unfold, describing the current phase as the early hours of a complex confrontation.
“It is too early to draw a scenario for the nature of the war we are seeing today. The situation will bring a set of complications to the region that it does not need,”
Gargash said.
He stressed that Gulf societies are civilian communities not built for conflict, with diverse populations at risk from any spillover violence.
Addressing UAE citizens, residents, and visitors, Gargash sought to reassure the public that the country is prepared to manage the situation.
“Our air defences carried out their mission very successfully. Do not listen to rumours. Get your information from official sources,”
he urged.
He expressed confidence that the UAE leadership is managing developments with readiness and stability:
“We will get through this crisis with strength, smoothness and resilience.”
The statement comes as UAE authorities work to maintain normal operations while ensuring public safety during the ongoing regional tensions.
