Senior UAE official says Gulf faces ‘prolonged uncertainty’ with no settlement to Iran war

A senior UAE official has warned that Gulf states should prepare for prolonged uncertainty if the US and Iran fail to reach a political settlement. Anwar Gargash said neither a decisive end to the conflict nor a stable regional order can be assumed, as the prospect of renewed US strikes keeps tensions high.

US President Donald Trump has said an attack is “highly unlikely” while negotiations continue, although previous US attacks on Iran took place during talks. The US has three aircraft carrier strike groups in the region, while Iran is blockading shipping and vessels are being attacked in the Strait of Hormuz. Gulf economies face risks to investment and energy exports: the UAE says more than 3,000 missiles and drones were directed at it, and Gargash said it would strengthen its defences and security partnerships.