Khaled Abdulrahman (Abu Dhabi)
Dr Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President, has stated that Iran, through its continued attacks on the UAE and on Gulf states, has shown that Iranian missiles have become a direct threat to the region.
He asserted that the Iranian regime has lost its compass, targeting the UAE and regional states that have worked tirelessly to prevent war.
He stressed that the UAE is a strong nation of institutions that will do everything possible to protect its territory, its people, and its economic interests.
In exclusive statements to Aletihad News Center, Dr Gargash said that what the UAE wants from any regime in Iran is for it to be a neighbour that respects the sovereignty of the state and does not interfere in its affairs - a principle the UAE upholds by adhering to its own policy of non-interference in the affairs of other countries.
He added: "We treat them according to these same standards. As for how developments unfold or how Iran chooses to govern itself, these are internal Iranian matters.
"My main point is that Iran, through its continued and unjustified attacks on the UAE and on Gulf states, is sending a message we wished it had not sent. It confirms to us and to the international community that the concern is not only Iran's nuclear programme, but also its missile programme, which has become a major threat to us - not in theory, but in the reality we are living today."
Dr Gargash added that these attacks reveal that the Iranian regime has lost its way, targeting the UAE and neighbouring states that have worked diligently to prevent this war. Through this approach, he said, Iran only deepens its isolation and must reconsider its actions.
He continued: "The home front is united and strong. There is daily follow-up from President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and from every official in the country. This crisis could have had a much harsher impact, but thanks to proactive preparedness, professional performance, and the collective efforts of everyone, our handling of the crisis demonstrates the strength of this nation and its institutions, and their ability to fulfill any role, foremost among them the safety of citizens and residents on UAE soil."
Dr Gargash added: "Iran's narrative is false, as evidenced by the indiscriminate targeting. Had it not been for our own capabilities in air defence, we would have witnessed far worse scenarios. This creates a significant rift in the relationship, regardless of the regime governing Iran."
Dr Gargash continued: "These are matters of trust and mistrust, and the confirmation that Iran poses a threat to the region has become undeniable. Therefore, overcoming this issue requires the Iranian leadership to return to reason immediately."
He stressed that the UAE is a nation of institutions with strong and clear leadership, that will do everything possible to protect its territory, its people, and its economic interests.
Dr Gargash also pointed to the presence of networks, teams, and working groups at all levels, operating across all sectors to maintain the normal pace of life in the UAE.
He said: "From ensuring food security to maintaining daily life, to supporting the business community, the education sector, and the health sector- and of course the network we are proud of: the air defence system, which is performing exceptionally and professionally, demonstrating the competence of the UAE Armed Forces.
"There is a whole network working behind the scenes; you do not see or hear them, but everything you see is the result of their work."
In a post on X on Sunday in Arabic, Dr Gargash said: "The Iranian aggression against the Gulf states has missed its target and has isolated Iran at a critical moment. Your war is not with your neighbours, and with this escalation, you confirm the narrative of those who see Iran as the primary source of danger in the region, and that its missile programme is a permanent cause of instability.
Dr Gargash concluded: "Return to reason, return to your regional environment, and deal with your neighbours with wisdom and responsibility before the circle of isolation and escalation widens."