US-Iran mediation: UAE says Qatar-led talks could avert new Gulf confrontation

The UAE said it wanted diplomacy to prevent another US-Iran clash, as talks continue in Qatar. UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash said the region needed a breakthrough to avoid fresh conflict. The comments came as the Iran war raised fears of escalation across Gulf states and global shipping routes.

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Iranian negotiators were in Qatar to discuss a proposal that could soon reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said no direct talks were under way with the US. Abbas Araghchi said any outcome depended on US replies to Iranian questions. Abbas Araghchi shared the remarks in an interview on Telegram.

US and Iran talks as UAE warns of confrontation

At the Manama Dialogue in Bahrain, Gargash said: "We dont really want to see another round of confrontation in the region,\". The annual security summit is organised by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, or IISS. It brings together regional and international officials, plus defence and foreign affairs experts.

Gargash told the forum the current crisis needed careful judgement and political methods. Gargash said military responses would deepen an already complex situation. Gargash also warned the US and Iran remained far apart. Gargash said: \"If these positions are not bridged, then we have to worry about the worst,\".

Abbas Araghchi said Iran hoped the US would choose diplomacy over other paths. Abbas Araghchi said Iran was prepared for defence or diplomacy. Abbas Araghchi linked that choice to Washingtons rationality. A possible escalation hung over the three-day security forum in Manamas capital, as delegates discussed risks.

Iran war impact on Gulf nations and defences

Gargash said it was not in the interest of the region or Iran to face war again. Gargash also said the UAE and other states were preparing for possible escalation. The Iran war began on February 28. It started with joint US and Israel strikes, followed by Iranian attacks on Gulf nations.

Before an April ceasefire, the UAE faced the highest number of airborne attacks from Iran. IISS said more than 3,000 drones and ballistic missiles targeted airports, military sites, and oil facilities. Most of those attacks were intercepted. Since the ceasefire, Gulf nations spent billions of dollars to strengthen defences.

Gargash said the war strengthened US-UAE ties and raised their security value. Gargash said the relationship sat at the centre of the UAEs ability to defend itself. IISS reported that Bahrain also came under heavy fire during the conflict. Bahrain hosts the US Navys 5th Fleet.

According to IISS, Iran launched 500 drones and nearly 200 ballistic missiles toward Bahrain. The strikes hit the naval base, residential buildings, the financial district, and a water desalination plant. The scale of attacks added to concerns about wider damage to civilian services. Officials at the forum linked the threat to regional stability.

Iran threats and Houthi attacks on Gulf nations

Bahraini Foreign Affairs Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani said Bahrain supported steps to lower tensions. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani said Bahrain welcomed efforts to prevent escalation and widen dialogue. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani said Iran showed a pattern of attacks or threats. The minister said targets included sea, air, and data facilities.

Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani said Iran continued such behaviour after the ceasefire. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani said Iran threatened underwater data cables as recently as last month. The minister also pointed to Iran-backed Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani said: \"These attacks are part of one continued pattern, he said. The hands may change, the approach doesnt.\"

This summer, Houthi rebels increased attacks on Saudi oil facilities and airports. The group said the attacks responded to Saudi airstrikes on Sanaa airport. The Houthis hit critical oil pipelines and disrupted air traffic in the kingdom. Officials at Manama said the combined pressures kept security risks high while negotiations continued in Qatar.

With inputs from PTI