UAE has arduously strived to avoid conflict with Iran: Gargash
Anwar Gargash speaks during a press conference in Dubai. File/ AFP
Dr Anwar Bin Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs has praised efforts by the leaders of the UK, France and Germany to lower tensions and open a new path for diplomacy over the Iran crisis.
In an op-ed article in the Financial Times, London, he said they made a very ‘welcome intervention’ in the Gulf last Monday.
Boris Johnson, Emmanuel Macron and Angela Merkel issued a joint statement holding Iran responsible for the missile attacks on Saudi Aramco facilities in Abqaiq. They also called on Tehran to choose dialogue over further ‘provocation’.
The outcome of the Sept.14 attacks was still reverberating in the corridors of the UN General Assembly where world leaders gathered for their annual meeting.
“Iran bears responsibility for this attack. There is no other plausible explanation,” the statement said.
The United Arab Emirates welcomes this initiative, Dr Gargash wrote. By holding Iran to account, the “E3” countries can discourage future attacks. By showing common resolve, the Gulf states, the US and others can demonstrate there is sufficient room for diplomacy, he said.
"They can help convince Iran that further hostility will be counterproductive and only prolong Iran’s isolation. The E3 can help dismiss the false impression that the only choice is between war and the well-intentioned but imperfect nuclear deal, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action."
"With persistence, the E3 can open up a new channel of communication and establish greater trust. They can help Tehran understand that the Gulf has achievable expectations — we only want Iran as a normal neighbour."
Moving towards a productive relationship with Iran would require us to address its worrying and destabilising behaviour, Dr Gargash opined. “Iran must permanently end its pursuit of nuclear weapons, cease the development and proliferation of ballistic and other missiles, end support for violent proxy groups and respect the sovereignty of other nations.
“For us, these are the essential elements for any discussions towards a new and enhanced agreement. Such discussions would go beyond the JCPOA and include the Gulf states, who have so much at stake. We believe that there is an opening for Iran to reach a new understanding with its neighbours and the world. A deal would be a ticket to re-enter the global trading system, build prosperity and expand opportunity. It is a blueprint for a new, shared and more stable regional order."
Such stability has been a key plank of UAE foreign policy. Dr Gargash continued, “To encourage a “normal” Iran, we have historically engaged with Iran — in trade and commerce, in exchanges and visits, in managing energy, maritime and aviation rights in the area. We have always seen enormous potential in the relationship, and we believe that no country would benefit more than Iran itself.”
The UAE has arduously strived to avoid conflict with Iran. Dr Gargash averred, “We will continue to take all measures to de-escalate tensions and reduce the potential for hostilities. When necessary, we are prepared to act in self-defence, but always proportionately, judiciously and with restraint. We seek a pragmatic, diplomatic path to lowering tensions and creating an opening for meaningful talks.
“Our objective is to end this perpetual crisis. The UAE, Iran, and other states can share the Gulf as normal neighbours, if not as the best of friends. There is a long road ahead, but European engagement is a timely and welcome step in the right direction.”
