UAE says hoping for breakthrough yet 'braced for the worst' in Iran-US war

The UAE is optimistic about a breakthrough in talks between Iran and the United States, while also preparing for the worst, a senior official said on Sunday. This follows threats of a resumption of the Middle East war. Diplomatic adviser to the Emirati president, Anwar Gargash, expressed these sentiments during a conference in Manama.

He emphasized that it is not in the interest of the region to relive another round of conflict, but the UAE is prepared for the worst. Following a Qatari delegation's visit to Tehran, Iran has sent envoys to the Gulf nation to continue consultations alongside indirect negotiations with the US to end the war. However, US President Donald Trump reiterated his threats on Saturday, stating that the US must "take care of" one or two targets in Iran.

US Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs Donald Blome reiterated that the hand of negotiation has been extended during the Manama conference on Sunday. He mentioned that channels of communication have remained open and active simultaneously. Blome also stated that the US is prepared to take a different approach if necessary.

On Saturday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that Trump has not made a decision regarding fresh strikes on Iran and that the US remains open to a diplomatic solution. The conflict began on February 28 with joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran, which retaliated by targeting various entities, including Gulf countries allied with Washington.