On eve of talks, UAE's Gargash throws weight behind Iran-US deal

The United Arab Emirates is throwing its support behind direct negotiations between the United States and Iran, an adviser to the Emirati president said on Tuesday, adding that a nuclear deal must be reached to avoid another escalation, as tensions between the two countries raise fears of a broader conflict.

Speaking at a panel discussion at the World Governments Summit in Dubai on Tuesday, Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, said, “I think that the region has gone through various calamitous confrontations. I don't think we need another one." He added, "I would like to see direct Iranian-American negotiations leading to understandings so that we don’t have these issues every other day.”

Last week, the UAE announced that it will not allow its airspace, territory or waters to be used for any military action against Iran, nor will it provide logistical support for such operations. 

Despite an emerging diplomatic track, US-Iran tensions remain high against the backdrop of a US military buildup in the region following the Islamic Republic's mass crackdown on protesters. 

US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi are expected to meet Friday in Turkey to discuss a possible nuclear deal, Axios reported Monday, while Turkey engages in a flurry of diplomacy to de-escalate the situation. Still, President Donald Trump says a military option remains on the table if no deal is reached. Abu Dhabi will attend Friday’s meeting in Turkey alongside Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Egypt.

Gulf states have repeatedly emphasized the need for more robust understandings and an agreement with Iran that, in addition to the nuclear file, also addresses its support for regional proxy groups and its ballistic missile program.

No UAE agenda in Gaza

Gargash also dismissed recent reports during Tuesday’s panel alleging that the UAE was bidding to take over Gaza’s civil administration. “It’s not true,” he said, praising the Trump administration's peace plan for post-war Gaza. 

"We don’t have what I would call a UAE agenda in Gaza,” he added, saying his country will remain engaged in the enclave by working with all relevant parties, including the Palestinians, Egyptians, Israelis and Jordanians.

Gargash noted that the UAE was one of the major humanitarian donors to Palestinians during the Israel-Hamas war, allocating nearly 45% of its foreign aid to Gaza alone.

The second phase of the deal calls for the establishment of a technocratic Palestinian government, as well as the reconstruction and demilitarization of Gaza.