UAE Foreign Minister Calls for De-escalation with Iran Amid Regional Tensions

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the critical need to advance diplomatic efforts aimed at fostering security and stability within the region during a recent phone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Sheikh Abdullah underscored the importance of de-escalation during their discussion, which took place amidst heightened concerns regarding the potential for renewed conflict between the United States and Tehran. According to state news agency Wam, the two ministers discussed the "overall situation in the region" late on Thursday evening.

Mr. Araghchi had previously engaged in phone calls with his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, and Kuwaiti counterpart, Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al Ahmad Al Sabah, to discuss recent developments.

Growing Tensions

On Thursday, Iran reported that at least three tankers had caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz, creating a perilous situation for shipping as efforts intensified to prevent a resurgence of conflict. The Iranian navy stated that the three vessels had struck naval mines and subsequently caught fire while navigating "prohibited areas," a term Iran uses to refer to routes outside its preferred shipping lanes. The naval forces of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also reported that two additional tankers had caught fire the preceding night. However, concrete confirmation for Iran's claims remained scarce. The UK Maritime Trade Operations confirmed that one tanker was struck by two objects north of Qatar late on Wednesday, with reports identifying the vessel as the Velos Sapphire.

UAE Calls for Peace

Dr. Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to President Sheikh Mohamed, stated on Sunday that the UAE desires to avoid a new round of military confrontation but is preparing for the worst while pursuing a peaceful resolution to the Iran conflict. Speaking at the IISS Manama Dialogue in Bahrain, Dr. Gargash expressed that the UAE and other Gulf nations were hopeful that mediation efforts would yield a positive outcome, noting that further escalation between Washington and Tehran would not benefit regional interests or Iran's own. The UAE has been a primary target, having faced over 550 ballistic missiles and 2,265 drones, the majority of which were intercepted or neutralized before reaching their intended targets. A ceasefire commenced in June following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran, intended to facilitate a final peace settlement. However, Mr. Trump declared the truce and MoU "over" in early July, citing renewed Iranian attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz and subsequent retaliatory American strikes. In recent weeks, both sides have signaled preparations for a potential resumption of hostilities.