Emirati minister tells of clear Iran 'escalation' but does not foresee war

'If supply through the Strait of Hormuz is cut, every country in the world will be impacted and the world economy cannot sustain $100 oil prices', Minister of Energy and Industry Suhail Al Mazrouei says

Rockets launched from Iran against the US military base in Ein-al Asad in Iraq. EPA / IRIB HANDOUT

Iranian mourners gather around a vehicle carrying the coffin Qassem Suleimani during the final stage of funeral processions, in his hometown Kerman. AFP

Iranian mourners gather around a vehicle carrying the coffin of Qassem Suleimani during the final stage of funeral processions, in his hometown Kerman. AFP

Iranian mourners stand on a bridge during the final stage of funeral processions for Qassem Suleimani, in his hometown Kerman. AFP

An Iranian mourner burns incense during the final stage of funeral processions for slain top general Qassem Suleimani, in his hometown Kerman. AFP

An Iranian mourner holds a placard during the final stage of funeral processions for Qassem Suleimani, in his hometown Kerman. AFP

Iranian mourners gather during the final stage of funeral processions for Qassem Suleimani, in his hometown Kerman. AFP

Iranian mourners gather for the burial of Qassem Suleimani in his hometown Kerman. AFP

Iranian mourners gather for the burial of Qassem Suleimani in his hometown Kerman. AFP

Iranian mourners gather for the burial of Qassem Suleimani in his hometown Kerman. AFP

Iranian mourners gather for the burial of Qassem Suleimani in his hometown Kerman. AFP

Iranians gather around a vehicle carrying the caskets of Qassem Suleimani and others during a funeral procession after the bodies arrived in the northeastern city of Qom following a ceremony in the capital Tehran. AFP

Iranians gather around a vehicle carrying the caskets of slain military commander Qassem Suleimani and others during a funeral procession after the bodies arrived in the northeastern city of Qom. AFP

Newly appointed commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guards Quds Force, Gen Esmail Qaani, weeps while praying over the coffin of the force's previous head Qassem Suleimani at the Tehran University Campus in Tehran. AP

A view of the crowds at the Azadi Square during the funeral of top Iranian general Suleimani in Tehran. Reuters

Iranian mourners taking part in a funeral procession in Tehran for Qassem Suleimani. AFP

Crowds at the Enqelab Square during the funeral of top Iranian general Suleimani in Tehran. Reuters

Member of the Iranian American community of Washington DC area rally outside the State Department in Washington in solidarity with the people of Iran, Syria and Iraq who celebrate the death of Iranian official, Gen Qassem Suleimani. AP Photo

A girl holds a sign reading “Trump is a murderer” during a condolence ceremony for Qassem Suleimani outside the Embassy of Iran in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Reuters

A man kisses a picture of Qassem Suleimani outside the Embassy of Iran in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Reuters

Iranians gather around a vehicle carrying the caskets Qassem Suleimani and others during a funeral procession after the bodies arrived in the northeastern city of Qom. AFP

Members of the Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary force walk above a portrait of US President Donald Trump as they hold a condolences meeting following the killings of Qassem Suleimani and Iraqi paramilitary commander Abu Mahdi Al Muhandis in Karrada in central Baghdad. AFP

Members of the Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary force chant anti-US slogans during a protest over the killings of Qassem Suleimani and Iraqi paramilitary commander Abu Mahdi Al-Muhandis in Karrada in central Baghdad. AFP

Supporters of the Houthis rally to denounce the US killing of Iranian military commander Qassem Suleimani and Iraqi militia commander Abu Mahdi Al Muhandis, in Sanaa, Yemen. Reuters

Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Industry, says he does not expect a war to break out after Iran struck back at US targets in Iraq.

On Wednesday, Iran fired 22 missiles at two bases in Iraq where US forces are stationed, according to the Iraqi military.

“I don't think the US wants to be aggressive in the Middle East,” Al Mazrouei said at a conference in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.

“This is definitely an escalation between the US, an ally, and Iran, a neighbour, whether we like them or not, they are our neighbour … the last thing we want is an escalation.”

UAE energy minister Suhail Al Mazrouei. Khushnum Bhandari for The National

Mr Al Mazrouei said the US was keen on peace in the Middle East and that “they've been here, they help in fighting terrorism, so their role in the Middle East has been positive to ensure we don't have extremism in the fight against ISIS and others".

On concerns that tension and military action between the US and Iran could impact global energy supplies, Mr Al Mazrouei said that even during the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq War there was a steady flow of oil.

“We maintained [our role] as a reliable supplier,” he said.

On Iranian threats it would close the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping channel through the Arabian Gulf, Mr Al Mazrouei said the strait was not only important for the UAE but for the world “and Iran understands that, I don't think we'll be in such a situation".

"If supply through the Strait of Hormuz is cut, every country in the world will be impacted and the world economy cannot sustain $100 [Dh367] oil prices and a huge spike," he said.

Speaking at the same forum at NYU Abu Dhabi, Opec Secretary General Mohammed Barkindo said: "Nobody wants war here and there’s almost a consensus in this region. I’ve been speaking to a number of people from different countries and they’re totally averse to war.

"This region has had its fair share of turmoil and war and what is badly required now is peace, stability that will lead to continuous prosperity of people of this region that the world relies on supply of energy not only now but also in the future."