UAE's Gargash: Saudi Security Tied to UAE, Trust with Iran Will Take Years
UAE diplomatic adviser Anwar Gargash stated that Saudi Arabia's security is intertwined with that of the UAE, amid ongoing Houthi threats against the kingdom. Speaking at the Arab Media Summit in Dubai, he described a recent meeting between Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian as very positive, while cautioning that rebuilding full trust with Iran will take years.
Why this matters
Gargash's remarks reflect a dual UAE strategy: maintaining a firm security alliance with Saudi Arabia against Houthi threats while cautiously engaging Iran to ease regional tensions. This balancing act underscores Abu Dhabi's attempt to position itself as a mediator among competing Gulf power dynamics without abandoning its commitments to Riyadh.