As Washington and Tehran prepare to resume sensitive nuclear negotiations, the UAE has issued a strong call for diplomacy, warning that the Middle East is in no position to absorb another major conflict.
Speaking at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, Dr Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE President, stressed that the region urgently needs dialogue between Iran and the United States rather than another cycle of confrontation. From the UAE’s perspective, he said, years of repeated crises have already strained regional stability.
“I can give you the view from the region,” Dr Gargash told delegates. He noted that the Middle East has endured multiple high-stakes confrontations in recent years and warned that another showdown would only worsen political and economic uncertainty. The UAE, he added, wants to see direct Iranian-American negotiations that produce practical understandings and reduce recurring tensions.
Dr Gargash emphasised that unresolved disputes between Washington and Tehran have repeatedly destabilised the region and urged both sides to directly address the nuclear issue through structured diplomacy.
US and Iranian officials confirmed that fresh nuclear talks will take place in Turkey, where US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi are expected to meet in Istanbul to pursue a possible agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme.
US President Donald Trump acknowledged that negotiations are ongoing, expressing cautious optimism while warning of consequences if talks fail. Speaking at the White House, he said the United States remains prepared for multiple outcomes, signalling increased pressure on Tehran to make nuclear concessions. In recent weeks, Mr Trump has warned that Iran could face tougher action than previous US strikes if diplomatic efforts collapse.
During a panel discussion alongside Dr Gargash, former US secretary of state Mike Pompeo cast doubt on the chances of a lasting agreement under Iran’s current leadership. While expressing hope for peace, he questioned whether durable regional stability is achievable while Iran remains under clerical rule, reinforcing his long-standing criticism of Tehran’s political system.
Beyond US-Iran tensions, Dr Gargash highlighted Gaza as another crucial factor in regional stability. A fragile ceasefire remains in place as the second phase of President Trump’s Gaza peace initiative moves forward. The plan proposes a technocratic Palestinian governing committee, large-scale reconstruction, demilitarisation and the potential deployment of an international peacekeeping force.
Dr Gargash cautioned that any foreign troop presence in Gaza must be grounded in broad consensus among regional and international stakeholders. Without unified agreement, he warned, external intervention risks isolation and ineffectiveness. He stressed that rebuilding Gaza requires coordinated global action and a clear political roadmap.
According to Dr Gargash, long-term progress depends on simultaneously addressing Palestinian statehood and Israeli security. He underlined that the UAE does not seek an independent agenda in Gaza and that any involvement must be part of a collective framework involving Palestinians, neighbouring Arab nations, Israel and strong American leadership.
The UAE also rejected recent claims that it intends to assume civilian administration of Gaza. Minister of State for International Co-operation Reem Al Hashimy reaffirmed that governance of the territory remains the responsibility of the Palestinian people.
Addressing criticism directed at the UAE on social media, Dr Gargash described much of the online rhetoric as disconnected from reality. He said the country would remain focused on its ambitious development and diplomatic agenda, arguing that criticism often reflects reactions to the UAE’s regional influence, economic progress and commitment to modernization.
The UAE, he said, will continue promoting peace initiatives such as the Abraham Accords while confronting extremism in all its forms. A forward-looking agenda, he acknowledged, inevitably attracts scrutiny, but retreat is not an option.
“We will continue to do what we believe is right,” Dr Gargash said, reaffirming the UAE’s intention to remain a stabilising force in the Middle East.
