With Tension Soaring, Gulf Nations Push for Diplomacy Amid Iran Conflict
Gulf Arab Allies Scramble to Avert Full-Scale Conflict with Iran
In the shadow of potential catastrophe, Gulf states are steadfastly trying to steer clear of full-blown conflict with Iran by promoting dialogue and restraint.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE), a staunch ally of the US, has been making waves in the diplomatic arena, engaging with officials in both Tehran and Washington to ward off additional turmoil. As Anwar Gargash, advisor to the UAE president, stated on Friday, "Our diplomacy is working hard, like many other countries... Concerns have to be resolved diplomatically."
Recent violence has intensified, with Israel launching an unprecedented attack last week, resulting in the deaths of top Iranian military personnel, as well as several nuclear scientists, and the destruction of parts of Iran's nuclear program. Iran has retaliated with missile strikes on Israeli cities.
The threat of all-out war is a concern for Gulf states, who emphasize that any escalation could be detrimental to the region. Gargash made it clear: "This is setting us back. The language of conflict is overpowering the new language of de-escalation and economic prosperity for the region."
Similarly, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Qatar's Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani have both spoken with US President Donald Trump, urging de-escalation following Israel's attacks on Iran.
"We have been making all the possible communication between all the parties regionally and abroad. These talks between us have been about finding a way out of the rabbit hole when it comes to this escalation," Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari explained on Tuesday.
Trump's shift in tone, contemplating US military intervention on Iran, has alarmed Gulf states, who fear Iranian reprisal attacks against American interests within their territories. Major energy exporters, the Gulf states also dread the possibility of Iran shutting down the Strait of Hormuz, through which a third of seaborne oil passes.
Some experts express concerns about the potential consequences of a US attack on Iran. Hasan Alhasan, senior fellow for Middle East policy at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in Bahrain, stated that "Iran is large and could be fractured and divided along ethnic lines, (and it) has a considerable stockpile of missiles, UAVs... that essentially could fall out of central state control."
Despite the anxiety, Gulf Arab states are hopeful that diplomacy could lead to a resolution to the crisis. Firas Maksad, managing director for the Middle East at Eurasia Group, noted that "If there is in fact a diplomatic breakthrough... where Iran's nuclear ambitions towards a nuclear weapon at least are capped, Iran is much weakened and stability returns, that's a very positive outcome for (Gulf states)."
Recent events have left the Middle East tense and uneasy. However, the narrow window of diplomacy, opened by Trump's recent declaration of a two-week negotiating period, offers Gulf Arab allies some breathing room to continue advocating for de-escalation. The fate of the entire region may hang in the balance as the world watches and waits.
Politics in the Gulf regions are emphasizing diplomatic efforts amidst the escalating Iran conflict and potential war-and-conflicts. The United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar are working diligently to promote dialogue and de-escalation, urging all parties to resolve their concerns diplomatically. This is a critical General-news issue, as any further escalation could have detrimental effects on the entire region.
