Gulf cannot rely on US alone for security: Qatar

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is developing alternative routes for its energy exports and trade to circumvent potential threats from the ongoing US-Iran conflict, according to UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash. The confrontation has significantly impacted Gulf Arab states, including the UAE, after Iran launched missiles at the country and targeted its oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.

Gargash emphasized that the UAE's energy exports and economic activities will not be held hostage by external forces. The UAE has been expanding port capacity, developing pipelines, railways, and trade routes to establish alternative corridors. However, Gargash acknowledged that rebuilding trust with Iran after the attacks could take decades and criticized Gulf Arab states for failing to coordinate a unified response to Iran's actions.

Majed al-Ansari, Qatar's foreign ministry spokesperson, echoed similar concerns at a policymakers' forum, stating that Gulf Arab countries should not solely rely on their strategic partnership with the US for security. He argued that self-sufficiency in security is the only way forward. While the US alliance remains crucial, the six-month conflict has underscored the importance of national capabilities in ensuring security.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical issue in negotiations between Washington and Tehran, with Iran claiming the strait belongs to Iran and Oman, a stance that Gulf states broadly reject. Gargash emphasized that any long-term resolution must include credible guarantees against further Iranian attacks on Gulf Arab states.