New Delhi: As tensions continue to rise between Iran and Israel, the United Arab Emirates has made it clear that it does not want to be drawn into the conflict and will not allow its territory to be used for military operations by either side.

In a recent interview, Hussain Hassan Mirza, the UAE’s first ambassador to India, said Abu Dhabi’s priority is to maintain neutrality while encouraging diplomatic solutions to prevent the crisis from escalating further across the region.

The envoy stressed that the Gulf nation sees no justification for becoming directly involved in the confrontation and instead supports efforts aimed at dialogue and de-escalation.

“There is no reason for the UAE to be involved in this conflict,” Mirza said.

UAE’s Delicate Balancing Role

The UAE occupies a sensitive diplomatic position in the Middle East. While it shares geographic proximity and regional ties with Iran, it also maintains formal relations with Israel following the Abraham Accords, which normalised relations between the two countries in 2020.

Because of this balanced relationship, Mirza suggested the UAE could play a constructive role in facilitating dialogue rather than choosing sides in the dispute.

“We can talk to both sides and help create space for negotiation,” he noted, pointing to the UAE’s ability to maintain communication channels with both governments.

Envoy Highlights Modi’s Diplomatic Influence

During the conversation, Mirza also highlighted the growing diplomatic stature of Narendra Modi in the Middle East.

According to the ambassador, the Indian prime minister commands significant respect among political leaders and business communities across the Gulf region. This credibility, he suggested, could enable India to contribute to efforts aimed at easing tensions between Tehran and Tel Aviv.

“One phone call from Mr Modi to the leaders in Iran and Israel can solve this issue… one phone call,” Mirza said, emphasising the Indian leader’s diplomatic leverage.

Concern Over Regional Stability

Mirza also expressed concern that the conflict is unfolding across a region shared by several neighbouring countries, raising fears of wider instability.

“They are fighting each other on our soil. That is unacceptable,” he remarked, referring to the broader West Asian region where the conflict’s impact could spill over into surrounding states.

However, the envoy refrained from offering detailed military assessments, saying he is not a defence expert.

Rising Calls for Diplomacy

With hostilities intensifying and the humanitarian toll increasing, regional leaders and diplomats are increasingly calling for restraint and negotiations.

The UAE’s stance reflects a broader concern among Gulf nations that prolonged confrontation between Iran and Israel could destabilise the region, making diplomatic engagement and mediation efforts more critical than ever.