Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE President Sheikh Mohamed, has said that the UAE is prepared to protect its security and population if hostilities should resume.

Speaking at the IISS Manama Dialogue in Bahrain, Gargash said the UAE and other Gulf countries were hoping that mediation efforts would lead to a breakthrough in matters concerning the Middle East war. He said another escalation between Washington and Tehran would serve neither regional interests nor those of Iran.

The UAE does not want a new round of military confrontation in the region, he added, saying the UAE was prepared for the worst even though it sought a peaceful solution.

With growing uncertainty in the Middle East over the possibility of fresh hostilities between the US and Iran, Gargash said, “We are also, as we have shown before, braced for the worst, and to protect our achievements, our development model, our country, our citizens and the people who are resident here.”

The UAE had recently reaffirmed the country’s commitment to diplomatic solutions. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged regional and international efforts to prevent worsening of the current war scenario.

The war began in February when the US and Israel launched air strikes against Iran, resulting in Iran attacking all six Gulf states and Jordan. Despite an interim agreement in June, a lasting ceasefire could not be secured, and normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has not been restored to this day.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has said he was holding back from further attacks on Iran as he wanted to avoid additional casualties. While speaking at an election campaign rally in Iowa, Trump said Washington would have to ‘give them the hammer’, referring to fresh military strikes against Iran. – editor@nrifocus.com