DUBAI/RIYADH — The United Arab Emirates has, for the first time, joined Saudi Arabia and Qatar in a coordinated diplomatic push aimed at discouraging any renewed US military confrontation with Iran, according to regional diplomatic sources.
The three Gulf states are said to be urging former US President Donald Trump to prioritise diplomatic engagement with Tehran over the possibility of re-escalating military pressure, amid growing concerns that a new conflict could destabilise the wider Middle East.
According to officials familiar with the discussions, the coordinated message reflects a shared regional fear that any renewed war between the United States and Iran could disrupt energy markets, threaten maritime trade routes in the Gulf, and undermine long-term development projects across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states.
The involvement of the UAE marks a notable shift, as Abu Dhabi has often maintained a more cautious and sometimes harder security line on Iran compared with Doha. However, diplomats say the UAE’s decision reflects a broader convergence among Gulf powers on the need to avoid open conflict in the region.
Saudi Arabia and Qatar have long supported de-escalation efforts with Iran, including indirect talks aimed at reducing tensions over regional security, nuclear concerns, and proxy conflicts in Yemen, Syria, and Iraq. The current coordination suggests a renewed effort to unify Gulf messaging on Iran policy ahead of possible changes in US foreign policy direction.
Iran remains a central security concern for Gulf Arab states due to its regional influence and missile capabilities, but officials say economic priorities are increasingly shaping their approach. Stability in the Gulf is seen as critical for oil exports, investment flows, and major infrastructure and diversification projects such as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and Qatar’s LNG expansion programmes.
While there has been no official joint statement, analysts say the emerging alignment signals a pragmatic shift: Gulf states are seeking to balance longstanding security concerns with the economic risks of renewed regional warfare.
Diplomatic sources caution that despite the shared preference for de-escalation, differences remain among the three countries regarding the extent and format of engagement with Tehran. However, all agree that preventing a direct US-Iran war is a strategic priority.
