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

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is optimistic about a diplomatic breakthrough between Iran and the United States, but remains prepared for the worst, according to a senior UAE official. During a conference in Manama, Anwar Gargash, the UAE's diplomatic adviser to the president, expressed hope for progress in negotiations to end the Middle East war. However, he acknowledged the region's readiness to face a renewed conflict if necessary.

Gargash emphasized that it is not in the region's interest to experience another round of war. He added that, despite previous warnings, the UAE and its allies remain braced for the worst. Following a recent visit by a Qatari delegation to Tehran, Iran has sent envoys to the UAE for ongoing indirect negotiations with the US to resolve the ongoing conflict.

The US, however, has not ruled out taking further action against Iran. US Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs, Donald Blome, reiterated President Donald Trump's threats during the conference, stating that the US intends to "take care of" one or two targets in Iran. Blome mentioned that while negotiations are ongoing, the US is prepared to take alternative measures if necessary.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified on Saturday that there is no decision yet regarding further strikes on Iran. He stated that the US remains open to a diplomatic solution to the ongoing war, which began on February 28 with joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Iran retaliated by targeting various entities, including Gulf countries allied with Washington.