UAE Urges Diplomacy as Iran Signals Readiness for Talks or Defense

The UAE's presidential adviser said Sunday that diplomatic breakthroughs are needed to avert further U.S.-Iran confrontation, warning that military solutions will not provide quick resolutions to the ongoing crisis. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed negotiators are in Qatar for talks on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, stating no direct U.S. talks are occurring and that outcomes depend on Washington's responses to Iranian questions. He said Iran is prepared for both defense and diplomacy. The war, which began Feb. 28 with U.S.-Israeli strikes, has prompted Gulf nations to spend billions on defense. UAE faced over 3,000 Iranian drone and missile attacks before April's ceasefire, while Bahrain reported 500 drones and 200 ballistic missiles targeted at its territory.