The widening conflict in the Middle East, with Iran and the United States intensifying attacks against each other, has raised concerns about serious repercussions and its impact around the world. Amid this, the UAE ambassador to India reportedly said that one phone call from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to his Iranian and Israeli counterparts could “end this issue.”
What began with joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran, which also resulted in the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, quickly escalated into a broader conflict in the Middle East, with the conflict extending to Gulf states such as the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Jordan, and others. Follow live updates of US-Iran war news
Hussain Hassan Mirza, the UAE’s first ambassador to India, told NDTV on Monday that the UAE has no desire to get involved in the US-Israeli-Iran conflict, adding that there is “no reason” to get involved.
Asked about Prime Minister Modi’s outreach to the UAE leadership amid the ongoing conflict, Mirza said the Prime Minister commands respect not only among the Gulf states and their leaders, but also among the general community and the business community. The UAE ambassador said that the same credibility applies to the two parties involved in the current war: Iran and the United States.
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“One phone call from Mr. Modi to his counterparts in Iran and Israel can resolve this issue. One phone call can end this issue,” Mirza told the media channel.
He said that confidence comes from Prime Minister Modi’s position with the “warriors” as the UAE ambassador described him. He said that Israel, Iran and the United States are waging a war on the territory of the Emirates.
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“They are fighting each other on our lands. This is unacceptable,” Mirza added.
Mirza also said that the UAE has an important place in resolving this issue. He pointed out that Abu Dhabi enjoys a sensitive geopolitical location, as it is a neighbor of Iran and a partner of Israel under the Abraham Accords.
This is where the UAE becomes useful, Mirza said. He added: “We can negotiate between the two.”
Mirza also remained committed to his civilian lanes and said, “I am not a military man.” He said that reports of minimal damage in the UAE are accurate so far, according to his assessments.
Prime Minister Modi speaks to the President of the UAE
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan just days after US-Israeli strikes on Iran turned into a war, criticizing Iranian attacks on the Gulf state.
Prime Minister Modi also thanked the President of the UAE for taking care of the Indian community in the country.
“I spoke with the President of the UAE, my brother Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He strongly condemned the attacks on the UAE and condoled the loss of lives in these attacks. India stands in solidarity with the UAE in these difficult times,” he wrote on X.
Read also | The President of the United Arab Emirates says his country “has a thick skin” due to the powerful explosions in Dubai, Doha and Manama.
Prime Minister Modi added: “I thanked him for his concern for the Indian community living in the UAE. We support de-escalation, regional peace, security and stability.”
India’s position on the conflict in the Middle East
India remained firm in its stance against the ongoing war. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, once again, made it clear in Parliament on Monday that New Delhi calls for dialogue and diplomacy to stop the ongoing hostilities and resolve the issue peacefully.
“Our government issued a statement on February 20 expressing deep concern and urging all parties to exercise restraint. We continue to believe that dialogue and diplomacy should continue to de-escalate tensions,” Jaishankar said.
He also addressed concerns over India’s energy security and stressed that the Center remains committed to protecting it while ensuring that national interests remain the top priority. “With regard to energy security, the government remains committed, taking into account costs, risks and availability of sources,” he said.
“The interest of Indians is the highest priority. Our national interests will always be paramount,” Jaishankar told Parliament.
