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Irish Times
a day ago
- Business
- Irish Times
Israel-Iran war: Gulf states scramble to secure diplomatic solution
Arab Gulf states have engaged on multiple diplomatic fronts to end the Israel-Iran war and return to regional stability as tensions rise. Unanimous Gulf condemnation of Israel's attack on Iran has presaged a battle for self-preservation. The war could destroy decades of economic advancement achieved by the Gulf countries and destabilise the region. Having cultivated relations with Iran for years, the six Gulf Co-operation Council states – the United Arab Emirates , Saudi Arabia , Oman, Bahrain , Qatar and Kuwait – are campaigning for an end to hostilities. They fear US intervention on Israel's side could prompt Iran to retaliate by striking US military bases in the Gulf, dangerously widening the conflict. An Emirati analyst who has close ties to his government said the Gulf leaders 'may not support US intervention [by] allowing airspace access or the use of bases, but they can't prevent it'. Iran could retaliate by closing the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20 per cent of the world's oil flows, while Israel could bomb Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant, located on the Gulf coast, which would release land, sea and air pollution. READ MORE Due to its ties to both Iran and Israel, the Emirates has taken the lead. President Mohammed bin Zayed told his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian that the Emirates has been engaged in 'intensive consultations with all concerned parties' to de-escalate the crisis. Bin Zayed has also contacted Russian president Vladimir Putin , who in turn has spoken to Pezeshkian, Israeli prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu and US president Donald Trump with the same objective. Oman has been incensed over Israel's attack, which disrupted talks the sultanate had mediated between the US and Iran on limiting Tehran's nuclear programme in exchange for the lifting of sanctions. The cancelled sixth round of talks was to take place last Sunday, 48 hours after Israel began bombing Iran. Tehran has said Iran will resume the talks once there is a ceasefire. Having restored diplomatic ties with Iran in 2023 after six years of estrangement, Saudi Arabia has engaged with Tehran and Washington since 'day one', according to Saudi analyst Ali Shihabi. The best outcome would be a deal between Iran and the US, he said. Crown prince and de facto Saudi ruler Mohammed bin Salman has discussed the situation with the Iranian and Emirati presidents. The prince fears war could disrupt his 2030 plan to develop the kingdom's economy and reduce its dependence on volatile oil revenues. [ Israel-Iran latest: Israeli minister says Khamenei 'can no longer be allowed to exist' after hospital strike Opens in new window ] Qatar – which has mediated between Hamas and Israel – has been 'engaging daily' with the US, its foreign ministry spokesman said. Kuwait could be the Gulf country to suffer most from a possible closure of the Strait of Hormuz as 90 per cent of its exports pass through the waterway. Its government fears spillover from the Israel-Iran war could extend far beyond the Gulf region.
Arab News
27-05-2025
- General
- Arab News
Lebanon PM says media is key to nation's peace after conflict
DUBAI: Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has emphasized the pivotal role of the media in shaping a new era of peace and prosperity for Lebanon. 'We are at a historical juncture in our country, especially when it comes to media. We want a living Arab media that creates the future and doesn't linger on the past,' Salam said during his address on Tuesday at the Arab Media Summit in Dubai. Since Lebanon's ceasefire agreement with Israel in November, the country has been racing to rebuild — physically, socially, and politically. 'We are back — back to our state and back to our Arab identity,' Salam declared, concluding his speech and receiving emphatic applause from the audience. He credited the UAE and GCC for their support in Lebanon's recovery, noting the significance of Emirati citizens returning to visit the country. 'I want to thank the GCC, and especially the UAE and its leaders such as His Highness President Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, who kept their promise and allowed our Emirati brothers to travel to Lebanon,' he said. Highlighting the media's power in shaping public discourse, Salam acknowledged both its potential for progress and its risk of harm. 'Seventy-five percent of the world's population has a smartphone; 67 percent are connected to the internet, and 57 percent receive news through social media,' he said. 'Media is becoming a tool for misinformation and the spread of distorted context.' In a country marked by decades of political and sectarian divides, Salam stressed the importance of media neutrality in his nation. 'We don't want the media to be loyal to us. We want it to be professional, neutral, and a shared space for understanding,' he stated. Despite progress, Salam warned that Lebanon's path forward remains complex, but harnessing the influence of the media was a critical tool for improving conditions in Lebanon, and maintaining sovereignty. 'We still have commitments,' he said, referring to the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701. 'We continue to face occupation of our land and ongoing violations from Israel.' He reassured, however, that while the media can be a 'maker of peace and war,' Lebanon would prioritize a neutral media outlet — free from sectarian ties — that upholds truth for the well-being of all Lebanese citizens. 'I speak to you not only as a prime minister, but as Lebanese citizen, I have lived through the pain and hope, and I also believe that when words are honest and true, they can be a bridge to building humanity between communities.' 'Lebanon is making its comeback from its crises, based on the principle of reform and sovereignty. Our vision for Lebanon is not just imagined, it is a project. 'We want a state of decision and a country that is enshrined in its Arab identity and to become a bridge from the east to the west,' he said. 'We are back, we are back to our state and back to our Arab identity,' he said.
Telegraph
15-05-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
Live Iran has ‘sort of' agreed nuclear deal, Trump says
Iran has 'sort of' agreed to a deal with the US on its nuclear programme, Donald Trump said. Speaking in Doha, Qatar, the US president said Washington was getting close to an agreement with Tehran and emphasised that he would not allow the regime to build a nuclear weapon. Earlier, an adviser to Iran's supreme leader told NBC News that Tehran is willing to make concessions on its nuclear programme in exchange for the lifting of sanctions. These would include committing to not making a nuclear weapon and getting rid of stockpiles of highly-enriched uranium, which can be weaponised. Mr Trump is on the third day of a four day visit to the Middle East that has included lucrative visits to Saudi Arabia and Qatar. He will shortly deliver a speech to US troops at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, before heading to the UAE later today. Mr Trump will meet Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE's president, to discuss investment opportunities largely in the sectors artificial intelligence, energy and manufacturing. In March, the Gulf state announced a $1.4 trillion investment plan with the US for the next decade. Mr Trump is also expected to lift Biden-era export restrictions on advanced technologies, as the UAE is seeking US-made microchips and AI systems to become a global AI leader by 2031.
Khaleej Times
08-03-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Champions Trophy final in Dubai: Traffic delays expected on E311, Hessa Street on March 9
Commuters should brace for expect traffic delays on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed (SMBZ) Road, also known as E311, and Hessa Street on March 9, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced. The delays are expected due to the ICC Champions Trophy final at Dubai Sports City. Traffic congestion is expected between 11am 2pm, and again from 8pm to 11pm. To avoid delays, the RTA is advising commuters to plan their trips in advance and leave early for smoother travel. The Champions Trophy final promises an exciting match, with India set to face New Zealand in a thrilling showdown. This will be the first final since Sri Lanka's victory over Pakistan in the 2022 Asia Cup. Both teams are eager to claim the iconic 'White Jacket,' awarded to each member of the winning team along with the trophy. For those lucky enough to have tickets, it's important to familiarise yourself with the stadium's rules. Dubai Police has also issued a reminder to spectators to adhere to regulations while attending the match. Meanwhile, the Dubai Event Security Committee has confirmed that all security preparations for the final are complete. If you didn't secure tickets, don't worry! You can catch the action on TV via CricLife Max or CricLife Max2, or stream it on STARZPLAY. For those who prefer to watch in a social setting, numerous venues across Dubai will be broadcasting the match on big screens. Be sure to check out the best spots to enjoy the final.
