UAE says Iran cannot Be Trusted on Hormuz after Attacks on Neighbors; Iranian Lawmaker Issues Threat Against Arab Leaders

01/05/2026

DUBAI, May 1: A senior adviser to the President of the United Arab Emirates has said Iran cannot be trusted with unilateral arrangements over the Strait of Hormuz, following what he described as “treacherous aggression” against neighboring states.

Anwar Gargash said discussions over the strategic waterway must be based on international law and collective global consensus, not Iranian control or guarantees over navigation.

“In the ongoing discussion about the Strait of Hormuz, the collective international will and provisions of international law emerge as the primary guarantor of freedom of navigation through this vital passage,” Gargash said.

His remarks come amid rising regional tensions, as Gulf governments push back against efforts by Iran to influence future arrangements governing one of the world’s most critical energy routes.

Meanwhile, a hardline Iranian lawmaker issued a direct threat against Arab rulers during a pro-government rally, warning that regional leaders and their residences would not be safe if Iran’s senior leadership were targeted.

Mahmoud Nabavian, a member of parliament’s national security and foreign policy committee, said regional governments should ensure that military bases on their territory are not used against Iran.

“If any assault is carried out against our great leaders, none of the rulers of the Arab countries or their palaces in the region will remain safe,” he said.

The exchange underscores growing tensions in the Gulf, where security concerns around the Strait of Hormuz have intensified amid ongoing regional conflict and disruptions to maritime traffic.