The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has said that ending tensions with Iran requires dialogue, not military action. The UAE hopes that a solution can be found through ongoing talks mediated by Qatar. This could avert the threat of another war between the US and Iran. Anwar Gargash, Advisor to the President of the UAE, said this at a security conference held in Manama, the capital of Bahrain.
Gargash said that the Iran war has changed the situation in the entire region and the world. He said the UAE does not want another war in the region. The current crisis must be resolved through dialogue and political efforts. Military action will only worsen the situation and will not bring a quick solution. However, he acknowledged that the differences between the US and Iran are too wide. If there is no agreement between the two, the situation may worsen. The UAE and other Gulf states are prepared for the possibility of a new attack.
Iran is negotiating in Qatar
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said his country’s officials were discussing a proposal in Qatar. With this, the Strait of Hormuz can be opened soon. However, he said that there is no direct dialogue with the US. A decision on any agreement will depend on America’s response. Iran wants the US to choose the path of dialogue. Tehran is ready for both its defense and diplomacy if needed.
Thousands of attacks on UAE and Bahrain
According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), before the ceasefire in April, Iran fired more than 3,000 drones and ballistic missiles at the UAE. Their targets were airports, military bases and oil related facilities. Most of the attacks stopped. After this the Gulf countries spent billions of dollars to strengthen their security. Gargash said that relations between the US and the UAE have become stronger since the war.
Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdultif bin Rashid Al Zayani also supported efforts to de-escalate tensions. According to the IISS, during the war, Iran launched 500 drones and about 200 ballistic missiles over Bahrain. The US Navy’s fifth fleet is stationed here. Naval bases, residential buildings and water treatment plants were targeted in the attack. This summer, the Houthis have also stepped up attacks on Saudi Arabia’s oil facilities and airports.
