On the Record Anwar Gargash on the Iran War and the Challenges It Presents to Gulf States
Mar 27, 2026
Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE president and former senior official, weighs in on the Iran-Israel-U.S. conflict and its fallout for Gulf states. He discusses attacks on civilian infrastructure, UAE restraint and defenses, fragile mediation and trust with Iran, risks of a protracted war, and how regional alignments and maritime security may shift.
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Iran Strikes Gulf Civilians More Than US Targets
- Iran's stated targets (U.S. military sites) don't match strikes, which largely hit civilian infrastructure across Gulf states.
- Anwar Gargash cites 13 ballistic missiles and 42 drones in one day and over 2,000 total strikes, many aimed at airports, oil facilities, and apartment buildings.
Gulf States Feel Betrayed After Mediating Role
- Gulf states saw the attacks as direct aggression, not collateral fallout from U.S.-Israel actions, increasing anger toward Iran.
- Gargash says Gulf countries acted as mediators yet became recipients of missiles and drones, sometimes more than Israel.
Iran Prioritizes Regime Objectives Over Regional Stability
- Iran's willingness to use available capabilities makes deterrence and negotiation more difficult.
- Gargash argues Iran prioritized regime interest over state interest, using missiles and drones that destabilize long-term regional prospects.