The United Arab Emirates has called on Washington and Tehran to fully implement their newly announced memorandum of understanding, demanding an immediate and comprehensive cessation of hostilities across the region and unimpeded maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. In a statement issued on Monday, the Emirati foreign ministry underscored that strict adherence to the agreement’s terms—paired with a commitment to international law, the sovereignty of states, and the principles of good neighbourliness—was essential to restoring security and economic stability. The UAE’s endorsement, notable for its explicit commendation of American-led diplomatic efforts, reflects the direct toll the brief but searing conflict took on the country.

Dr Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, framed the crisis as a crucible from which the nation had emerged “stronger, more resilient and more confident.” Writing on social media, he said the UAE had worked diplomatically to avert war even as it defended its sovereignty “with firmness and capability.” That balancing act became a matter of survival after Iranian strikes reportedly hit shipping and energy assets linked to the Emirates during the fighting, a reminder that the Strait of Hormuz—through which a fifth of the world’s oil passes—remains the Gulf state’s economic lifeline and its primary security vulnerability.

Viewed from Gulf capitals, the memorandum marks a reprieve but not a resolution. The UAE’s insistence on “full compliance” and the protection of international sea lanes signals deep-seated concerns that any breakdown could again turn the waterway into a flashpoint. Abu Dhabi’s statement also praised the contribution of “concerned states and parties” that helped create conditions for the accord, a nod to the broader diplomatic choreography that preceded the deal, but did not elaborate on verification mechanisms or timelines.

For the moment, the focus is on converting a preliminary understanding into durable restraint. Analysts in London caution that while the language of the memorandum prioritises dialogue over confrontation, the absence of a formal enforcement framework leaves the Hormuz question reliant on political will in Tehran and Washington. The UAE, having weathered a direct test of its security architecture, now seeks to lock in the dividends of diplomacy—stable energy markets, uninterrupted shipping, and a regional order in which sovereignty is not a bargaining chip.