UAE Adviser Says Diplomacy Is Only Path Out of Iran Crisis

The United Arab Emirates has stated that military action will not provide a quick solution to its ongoing conflict with Iran, urging the region to prioritize diplomatic negotiations. Anwar Gargash, a presidential adviser to the UAE, made the remarks on Sunday at the Manama Dialogue in Bahrain. He described the current situation as requiring political tools and wisdom, noting that military solutions only complicate an already difficult scenario.

The conflict began in late February with joint strikes by the United States and Israel, followed by Iranian attacks on Gulf nations. Gargash called the year a watershed moment for the region. He expressed hope that mediation efforts led by Qatar could prevent a new round of confrontation. "We don’t really want to see another round of confrontation in the region," Gargash told the summit attendees.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reported that negotiators are currently in Qatar discussing a proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Araghchi stated that no direct talks are occurring with the United States, and the final outcome depends on Washington’s responses to specific Iranian questions. He said Tehran hopes the U.S. chooses diplomacy over other paths and is prepared for both defense and diplomacy based on American rationality.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty warned that a second round of escalation would be more dangerous and destructive than the first. Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani said his country welcomes efforts to reduce tensions. He accused Iran of maintaining a pattern of attacks against sea, air, and data facilities even after the April ceasefire, including threats to underwater cables last month.

According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies, the UAE faced more than 3,000 drone and ballistic missile attacks before the ceasefire was reached. Most of those attacks were intercepted. Bahrain, home to the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet, was targeted by 500 drones and nearly 200 ballistic missiles at the height of the war. These strikes hit the naval base, residential buildings, the financial district, and a water desalination plant.

Gulf Cooperation Council members have spent billions of dollars to boost defense capabilities since the fighting began. However, Gargash offered a candid assessment of the group’s performance. He noted that while individual nations rose to the challenge independently, the six-member council has not collectively risen to the occasion during one of its most critical crises. This lack of a coordinated defense response was a prevailing concern at the forum.