Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the President of the United Arab Emirates, has warned that the Middle East should prepare for an extended period of uncertainty following the war with Iran. Speaking at the Abu Dhabi Strategic Debate, Gargash cautioned that neither a decisive resolution nor a stable regional order should be assumed in the aftermath of the conflict. He described renewed engagement with Tehran as a strategic necessity rather than a concession, emphasizing that diplomatic channels will remain important even amid serious security concerns. Gargash argued that credible deterrence is essential because national security cannot depend entirely on another country's intentions or goodwill. However, he stressed that military strength should serve to prevent further aggression and create conditions in which meaningful diplomacy can succeed. His remarks presented deterrence and negotiations as complementary elements of a broader approach to regional security.

Gargash also emphasized that rebuilding trust after a conflict requires more than public statements or diplomatic assurances. He said confidence must be restored through concrete conduct, credible commitments, and verifiable changes in behavior. The comments reflect the UAE's stated position that regional stability will require both safeguards against future threats and sustained diplomatic engagement with Iran. His warning also points to the possibility that tensions could persist even after active hostilities end, particularly if fundamental security concerns remain unresolved. For Gulf states, the challenge will be to protect their national interests while determining whether Tehran is prepared to demonstrate a lasting change in its regional conduct. Gargash's central message was that diplomacy without credible deterrence may be insufficient, but deterrence without a diplomatic path forward cannot deliver lasting stability.