UAE 'triumphed' in war it sought to avoid, top official says after US‑Iran truce

[Editor's Note: Follow Khaleej Times live blog amid US-Israel-Iran ceasefire for the latest regional developments.]

The UAE, which has been drawn into an unwanted conflict between the US, Israel and Iran, has emerged triumphant in the war after a two-week ceasefire was declared, Anwar Gargash, a top Emirati politician, said.

Gargash, the diplomatic adviser to the UAE President, outlined the country’s position after a ceasefire between the US and Iran was announced on Wednesday. Both sides claimed victory after reaching the deal an hour before a deadline set by Donald Trump for possible military escalation against the Islamic Republic.

Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels

In a public statement, Gargash said the UAE had “prevailed through an epic national defence” that preserved its sovereignty, safeguarded national achievements, and upheld the country’s dignity in the face of what he described as “treacherous aggression.”

During this geopolitical friction, indirect confrontations and strategic alignments have increased pressure on Gulf states. The UAE faced blatant Iranian aggression, including 2,221 drones, 520 ballistic missiles, and 26 cruise missiles, with at least ten civilians killed, according to the Defence Ministry.

Gargash wrote, “The UAE triumphed in a war we sincerely sought to avoid,” underscoring the country's long-standing call for diplomacy and de-escalation. He said the country successfully steered through the crisis with preparedness, resilience, and calculated policy responses.

He further noted that the UAE would "move forward to manage a complex regional landscape with greater leverage" and “sharper insight”. He pointed out the country's growing capacity not only to respond to threats but also to actively influence and shape future developments in the Middle East.

While the precise outcome of the conflict remains complex, involving multiple actors and overlapping interests, Gargash said the country's "strength, resilience, and steadfastness" had reinforced the UAE's renaissance model, highlighting its ability to maintain progress despite regional challenges.

In the early hours of Wednesday, Iran said it would halt its attacks if attacks against it stop and that safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz would be possible for two weeks with coordination from Iranian armed forces.

With uncertainty over arrangements for reopening the Strait to oil traffic, in particular, Trump insisted there was a strong framework for a longer-term deal. "We have a 15-point transaction, of which most of those things have been agreed on. We'll see what happens. We'll see if it gets there," Trump said.

As the situation in the region evolves, the UAE’s role as a stabilising force and active player will likely stay in the spotlight. Gargash’s comments show the country wants to shape events, not just react to them, in these uncertain times.