UAE hopes to avert new Iran conflict, prepares for worst-case scenario

The UAE, through diplomatic advisor Anwar Gargash, called for a diplomatic breakthrough with Iran at the Manama Dialogue summit in Bahrain, while also preparing for a worst-case scenario of further conflict. Gargash said Gulf security is interconnected and trust with Iran has been shaken. The article also covers Syria's foreign minister reaffirming diplomacy, and Saudi-led coalition strikes on Houthi resources.

The United Arab Emirates is seeking a diplomatic breakthrough with Iran to end the ongoing conflict, while simultaneously preparing for a worst-case scenario of further confrontation. Anwar Gargash, the diplomatic advisor to the UAE president, made the remarks at the 22nd annual Manama Dialogue conference in Bahrain, organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies. Gargash stated that the security of the Gulf states is interconnected and that trust with Iran has been shaken, but expressed hope for a diplomatic solution, saying, 'We do not want to see another round of confrontation.' He also affirmed that the UAE is prepared for the worst, referencing previous occasions. The article notes that the conflict began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, and that Iran has been attacking ships since. Separately, Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani, also at the Manama Dialogue, reaffirmed Syria's commitment to diplomacy and said US mediation could help end Israeli attacks. He estimated reconstruction costs at $250 billion. The Saudi-led coalition also announced a military operation targeting Houthi resources used to support attacks on civilians and shipping lanes.