Iran tensions: What UAE, GCC leaders have to say about it

Amid growing regional tensions following attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has held a series of high-level phone calls with global and regional leaders. The discussions, with counterparts from Oman, France, Italy, and fellow Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, focused on preventing further escalation and encouraging diplomatic solutions to safeguard regional stability.

In conversations held on June 22, Sheikh Mohamed spoke with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. All parties expressed deep concern about the potential for serious repercussions following the recent strikes targeting Iran, a WAM report said.

Urgent calls for de-escalation

During the calls, the leaders underscored the urgency of intensified international efforts to halt the escalation. They stressed the need to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy as the primary means of resolving the crisis and preventing additional instability across the region.

According to the UAE’s official news agency, the leaders reiterated their shared goal of preserving regional peace and protecting populations from the far-reaching impacts of conflict.

UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Crisis requires diplomatic action

In a separate statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) echoed these concerns, expressing the country’s “deep concern” over rising tensions, especially surrounding the targeting of Iranian nuclear facilities.

The ministry warned of potentially “serious repercussions” and urged immediate de-escalation. “It is essential to resolve disputes through diplomatic and comprehensive approaches that promote stability, prosperity, and justice,” the statement said.

MoFA also called on the international community to intensify efforts toward a peaceful resolution and appealed to the United Nations and the UN Security Council to assume their responsibilities amid what it described as a critical juncture for the region.

FANR: No nuclear threat to UAE

Amid public concern over the nuclear dimension of the conflict, the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) assured residents that there are no impacts on the UAE from the recent developments in Iran.

FANR said it is working in coordination with international bodies, including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and is monitoring the situation closely. It advised the public to rely on official channels for information and to refrain from spreading unverified news or rumors.

Qatar, Saudi Arabia join calls for restraint

The State of Qatar also weighed in, expressing regret over the deterioration of regional stability following the bombings of Iranian nuclear sites. The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned of “catastrophic consequences” if the current tensions continue unchecked.

In a statement carried by Qatar News Agency (QNA), Qatar urged all parties to act with restraint and prioritize diplomacy to avoid further escalation.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, held separate phone calls with leaders of GCC member states, including the UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait.

The discussions focused on regional developments in the wake of Israeli strikes on Iran, reportedly backed by the United States, which included the targeting of nuclear facilities.

GCC unity amid crisis

According to Saudi Press Agency reports, the GCC leaders reaffirmed their unity and mutual commitment to maintaining regional peace. They collectively called for restraint and reiterated the importance of diplomatic engagement to resolve differences.

“The GCC member states stand together in these critical circumstances,” a joint statement emphasized, adding that all efforts should be directed toward preventing further deterioration of the situation.