UAE presidential adviser says Abu Dhabi ready to mediate, urges direct Iran-Arab dialogue

DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) remains willing to play a mediating role in efforts to ease tensions with Iran, presidential adviser Anwar Gargash said, urging Tehran to engage directly with both Washington and Arab states.

“We need a new mindset,” Gargash said during a panel discussion in New York, arguing that talks on regional stability, security and development should take place not only between Iran and the United States but also between Iran and Arab countries.

Gargash said the UAE had previously delivered a letter from US President Donald Trump to Iranian officials and offered to play a mediating role. He personally delivered Trump’s letter to Tehran in March 2025, when Abu Dhabi was seeking to facilitate communication between Washington and Iran.

He said his advice to Tehran at the time was to speak directly with Washington, adding that this remained his view. “I think this is something that still holds true,” Gargash said.

Gargash warned that the current conflict could become prolonged, citing tensions in Yemen, economic sanctions and other complications. “This is the period for greater diplomacy,” he said, calling for diplomatic efforts to help disentangle the conflict.

He also said the UAE and other countries may have to deal with an unstable Iran for some time, while stressing that this did not necessarily mean a change of regime.