UAE Advisor Sees 50-50 Chance of U.S.-Iran Agreement

-Iran peace agreement. He warned that any deal must address root causes of regional instability to prevent renewed conflict. Gargash spoke at the Globsec conference in Prague. He said Iran has a pattern of over-negotiating and missing opportunities in past talks.

"It is a 50-50 chance that we will reach an agreement. My worry is that the Iranians have always over-negotiated," Gargash said. "This is not something new. They have missed many opportunities over the years because of a tendency to overestimate their cards.

" Pakistan has been mediating talks to end the war. The conflict has disrupted trade through the Strait of Hormuz, a route for about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.

Gargash said negotiations focused only on a ceasefire risk future conflict if underlying issues remain unresolved. He said a second round of military confrontation would further complicate matters. S. military facilities during the conflict, according to Emirati officials.

Gargash said any Iranian control over the Strait of Hormuz would politicize the waterway and create global repercussions. He urged European countries to treat the strait issue as linked to their energy security. Gargash said the waterway must return to its pre-war status as an international route for energy, trade, and maritime traffic.