The United Arab Emirates has dramatically recalibrated its threat perception, with Iran's nuclear programme now its foremost concern, according to Anwar Gargash, the diplomatic adviser to the UAE president. In remarks at the Globsec security forum in Prague, Gargash stated that the nuclear issue had previously ranked second or third among Emirati worries, but had risen to the top after Tehran demonstrated a willingness to use whatever weapons it possesses. "We see that the Iranian regime is capable of using any weapon in its arsenal — this is what we have learned," he said, reflecting a shift driven by direct experience of Iranian strikes during the recent conflict.

Viewed from the Gulf, Gargash's comments underscore a deepening anxiety among smaller Arab states about the trajectory of Iran's nuclear ambitions and the fragility of regional stability. He revealed that the UAE had been targeted by approximately 3,300 drones and missiles during 40 days of hostilities that began on 28 February, a punishing barrage that has reshaped Emirati calculations. While expressing support for a political solution, Gargash warned that another round of fighting between Iran, the United States, and Israel would be "catastrophic" and further complicate an already volatile situation. He also criticised Iranian officials for squandering opportunities over the years by overestimating their leverage, adding: "I hope they do not do that this time."

Looking ahead, Gargash assessed the chances of a US-Iran agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz as evenly balanced — 50-50 — and insisted that any political settlement must address fundamental issues to avoid future crises. His remarks come as Iranian negotiators, in previous nuclear talks spanning two decades, have consistently refused to cede the right to enrichment on home soil, a longstanding red line that complicates any diplomatic breakthrough. Analysts in London note that the Emirati position, caught between a desire for de-escalation and the reality of Iranian capabilities, may signal a shift toward more assertive regional positioning — but with a wary eye on the catastrophic cost of renewed conflict.