UAE urges diplomacy as Qatar mediates US-Iran crisis

The United Arab Emirates said Sunday it hopes Qatar-led mediation can achieve a diplomatic breakthrough to avert further U.S.-Iran confrontation, warning that military solutions offer no quick resolution to the crisis. Presidential advisor Anwar Gargash told the Manama Dialogue security forum that political tools must be primary, as the war that began Feb. 28 has made this a watershed year. Iranian negotiators are in Qatar, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi saying outcomes depend on U.S. responses to Iranian questions. Gargash acknowledged U.S. and Iranian positions remain far apart, noting the region braces for possible escalation. The UAE faced over 3,000 Iranian drone and missile attacks before April's ceasefire, while Bahrain reported similar strikes, and Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia continue.