UAE warns exports will not be 'held hostage,' says rebuilding trust with Iran may take 'decades'

The United Arab Emirates will not allow its energy exports to be "held hostage" and will not accept any single state's control of the Strait of Hormuz, UAE presidential diplomatic adviser Anwar Gargash said Monday amid renewed tensions over shipping through the strategic waterway.

"Our energy exports will not be held hostage," Gargash said, adding that dealing with Iran remains a central issue for the UAE and other Gulf countries.

Gargash warned that rebuilding trust with Tehran "may take decades," underscoring the deep strain between Iran and its Gulf neighbors following months of confrontation and disruption to commercial shipping.