Anwar Gargash, a senior adviser to the President of the United Arab Emirates, stated Tuesday that Iran’s ongoing assaults on Gulf states are likely to foster closer relations between Israel and Arab nations with no existing ties. Speaking at a virtual event hosted by the Council on Foreign Relations, Gargash emphasized that the Iranian strikes are inadvertently strengthening Israel’s role in the region.
“Iran’s full-throttle attack on the Gulf states will actually strengthen the Israeli role in the Gulf, rather than diminish it,” Gargash said. “For countries that already have relations with Israel, I believe this relationship will become even more robust. For those that do not, I expect more channels of communication will open.”
Since 2020, the UAE and Bahrain have normalized relations with Israel, a move that has shifted regional dynamics. Meanwhile, Iran has intensified its attacks on Gulf infrastructure since the US and Israel launched an aerial campaign against Iranian targets on February 28. These assaults have targeted airports, ports, oil facilities, and commercial hubs across the region, utilizing missiles and drones, while also attacking Israel and disrupting shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz — a vital artery for global oil supply.
The escalating violence has heightened Gulf fears of Iran’s potential to leverage its military capabilities to threaten regional energy supplies, though Gulf nations have refrained from direct retaliation to avoid broader conflicts. Gargash indicated that the UAE might participate in an international effort, led by the United States, aimed at safeguarding the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s state media announced that in response to recent strikes, Tehran plans to target oil and gas infrastructure in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Specific threats include Iran’s attack on Saudi Arabia’s Samref Refinery and Jubail Petrochemical Complex, the UAE’s Al Hasan Gas Field, and key facilities in Qatar.
The region remains on high alert as tensions continue to escalate, with diplomacy and security cooperation seen as crucial in addressing the volatile situation.
