The United Arab Emirates hopes talks between Iran and the United States will lead to a diplomatic breakthrough and prevent another round of war in the Middle East. However, the Gulf nation is also preparing for the possibility that tensions could rise again.
Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, shared the message on Sunday during a security conference in Manama, Bahrain. He said the region had little to gain from another conflict and urged efforts to find a peaceful solution.
“We’re hoping that there is a diplomatic breakthrough,” Gargash said during the meeting.
He added that another round of fighting would not serve the interests of the region. At the same time, he said the UAE was ready for the worst, based on its experience during the earlier stages of the conflict.
The comments came amid fears that the war involving Iran, the United States and Israel could resume. Diplomatic efforts are continuing, but major differences between Washington and Tehran remain a challenge.
For the UAE, the risk of renewed fighting is especially serious because the security of Gulf states is closely linked. Any new attacks could threaten key facilities, trade routes and energy supplies across the region.
The Strait of Hormuz is a major concern. The narrow waterway is one of the world’s most important routes for oil and gas shipments. Any disruption could affect global energy markets and create further economic pressure on countries that depend on stable supplies.
The UAE has a strong interest in restoring security and allowing commercial shipping to move safely. A diplomatic agreement could help lower tensions and reduce the risk of further attacks across the Gulf.
However, Gargash’s remarks show that the UAE is not relying on negotiations alone. The country is also preparing for a possible escalation if talks fail to produce results.
Regional leaders have repeatedly warned that another round of fighting could cause greater damage than the earlier conflict. The consequences could extend beyond military targets, affecting civilian life, transport, energy infrastructure and the wider regional economy.
The conference in Manama provided a platform for officials to discuss these risks and consider ways to improve regional security. Diplomacy remains a key option, but governments are also looking at how to protect their countries against future threats.
The UAE has called for political solutions to regional disputes and has stressed the need for cooperation among Gulf states. Its position reflects a wider concern that military action alone cannot resolve the deep disagreements between Iran and the United States.
A breakthrough in negotiations could create an opening for a more stable period. It could also help rebuild trust and reduce pressure on neighboring countries that have faced security threats during the war.
Yet the path forward remains uncertain. Both sides must address their differences before a lasting agreement can be reached. Until then, the risk of renewed confrontation will remain a concern for the UAE and its neighbors.
Gargash’s message reflects the challenge facing Gulf governments: they want diplomacy to succeed, but they must also be ready if the conflict returns. For the UAE, preventing another war remains the preferred outcome, while maintaining national security is still a central priority.
