Gulf officials have called for diplomatic efforts to prevent renewed conflict between the United States and Iran, warning that further military action could deepen instability across the region.
Speaking at the Manama Dialogue in Bahrain, United Arab Emirates presidential adviser Anwar Gargash said diplomacy, including mediation efforts led by Qatar, offered the best opportunity to prevent another escalation.
Gargash cautioned that military solutions would not provide a quick way out of the crisis and could make the situation more difficult to resolve.
His remarks came as Iran’s Foreign Minister said Iranian negotiators were in Qatar discussing a proposal that could lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
However, he stressed that direct negotiations between Tehran and Washington were not taking place.
Other regional officials also called for efforts to reduce tensions. Egypt’s Foreign Minister warned that another escalation would have more destructive consequences.
The discussions at the regional forum also highlighted the security challenges Gulf countries faced during the recent conflict, including attacks involving drones and missiles.
Gargash said the conflict had strengthened ties between the UAE and the United States but exposed weaknesses in regional security cooperation, with Gulf states largely relying on separate national efforts rather than a coordinated collective response.
The calls for diplomacy come amid continued uncertainty over the future of US-Iran relations and the security of key regional shipping routes.
