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Daily Tribune
a day ago
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Gulf nations lead urgent diplomatic push to prevent wider conflict
TDT | agencies As tensions escalate between Iran and Israel, Gulf nations are stepping up as voices of reason and diplomacy, launching high-level initiatives to contain the violence and avert a wider regional war. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan have held direct talks with Iran's newly elected President Masoud Pezeshkian, signalling the Gulf's proactive role in seeking a peaceful resolution. The Emirati president also discussed the situation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who expressed support for mediation efforts. Underscoring the UAE's commitment, Foreign Minister S h e i k h Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan confirmed that the president has been 'conducting intensive diplomatic calls' aimed at de-escalating the conflict and preventing its spillover. In a firm yet balanced message, Sheikh Abdullah urged all parties to avoid 'reckless and miscalculated actions,' warning of broader consequences if tensions go unchecked. Oman, a longstanding regional mediator, has also activated its diplomatic channels, while Qatar continues to engage key international stakeholders. Doha, known for its mediation in the Israel-Hamas conflict and previous negotiations with Tehran, is in regular contact with the United States to support de-escalation. Prominent Gulf leaders have voiced their concern about the potential fallout of a prolonged war. Former Qatari Prime Minister Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani stressed that regional stability is vital, warning that the Gulf would be among the first affected by any collapse in Iran. A B-2 Stealth Bomber pulls up on the runway after landing at the Palmdale Aircraft Integration Center of Excellence in Palmdale, California on July 17, 2014, where the US Air Force and manufacturer of the B-2, Northrop Grumman, celebrated the 25th anniversary of the B-2 Stealth Bomber's first flight.
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Gulf states on Iran's doorstep scramble for end of war
DOHA: As Iran and Israel trade strikes and the US weighs joining in, wealthy Gulf states on the conflict's doorstep are engaged in frantic diplomacy to halt the war — but solutions remain elusive. A spillover of the conflict or the Iranian government's collapse are both worrying outcomes for the energy-rich region, which hosts several major US military bases. Peace and stability have been central to the rise of Gulf powers including Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, who are pivoting their economies towards business and tourism. Hoping to avert the crisis, Saudi Arabia, the world's biggest oil exporter, has been talking to Iran and the United States since 'day one', Ali Shihabi, an analyst close to the royal court, told AFP. 'But it does not look promising that something will happen very soon,' he added. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the de facto Saudi ruler, and the UAE's President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, have both spoken to Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian in recent days. The Emirati president also held a phone call on Wednesday with Russia's President Vladimir Putin, an ally of Iran, who offered to mediate in the conflict. Israel's launching of the war scuppered Oman-brokered talks between Tehran and Washington that were supported by Gulf nations, who have been pursuing a detente with their giant neighbour after years of strained ties. On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump demanded Iran's 'unconditional surrender' and warned it could easily assassinate its supreme leader, fuelling fears of American intervention. Hours later, the UAE's Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan said the Gulf country's president had 'conducted intensive diplomatic calls... to de-escalate tensions and prevent the conflict from spreading'. Sheikh Abdullah warned against 'reckless and miscalculated actions that could extend beyond the borders of the two countries', in a strongly worded statement published by the official WAM news agency. Trump had initially urged Iran to come to the negotiating table, but an official briefed on talks said Tehran told Qatar and Oman that it 'will not negotiate while under attack'. Oman, Iran's traditional intermediary, said it was engaged in diplomatic efforts as the daily strikes continue. Meanwhile Qatar, a key mediator in the Israel-Hamas war and a negotiator with Iran in the past, has also been 'engaging daily' with the US, its foreign ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday. Former Qatari Prime Minister Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani warned on X that 'it is not in the interest of the Gulf states to see Iran... collapse', adding that they would be 'the first to be harmed' by the war's repercussions. An Arab diplomat told AFP: 'Everyone in the Gulf is going to say we are better off making sure we have a deal with Iran, a diplomatic solution with Iran.' Shihabi, the Saudi analyst, echoed the sentiment, saying the best outcome was 'obviously an agreement between Iran and (the) US'. Diplomatic intervention by Saudi Arabia, once a fierce critic of Iran, comes two years after they restored ties. The UAE, which recognised Israel in 2020, has also patched up relations with Tehran since 2022. 'Whereas the Saudis may have once called for 'cutting off the head of the snake', their approach toward Iran has shifted dramatically,' said Hasan Alhasan, a senior fellow for Middle East policy at the International Institute for Strategic Studies. However, 'the Arab Gulf states have almost no ability to shape Israel's or Iran's behaviour or influence the outcome of this war,' he told AFP. 'It is difficult to see how Israel's military campaign against Iran, whose objectives seem to have quickly metastasised from eliminating Iran's nuclear and missiles programmes to overthrowing the regime, ends well for Iran's Arab Gulf neighbours,' Alhasan added.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
On the edge: Gulf states race to defuse Israel-Iran war
DOHA: As Iran and Israel trade strikes and the US weighs joining in, wealthy Gulf states on the conflict's doorstep are engaged in frantic diplomacy to halt the war – but solutions remain elusive. A spillover of the conflict or the Iranian government's collapse are both worrying outcomes for the energy-rich region, which hosts several major US military bases. Peace and stability have been central to the rise of Gulf powers including Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, who are pivoting their economies towards business and tourism. Hoping to avert the crisis, Saudi Arabia, the world's biggest oil exporter, has been talking to Iran and the United States since "day one", Ali Shihabi, an analyst close to the royal court, told AFP. "But it does not look promising that something will happen very soon," he added. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the de facto Saudi ruler, and the UAE's President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, have both spoken to Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian in recent days. The Emirati president also held a phone call on Wednesday with Russia's President Vladimir Putin, an ally of Iran, who offered to mediate in the conflict. Israel's launching of the war scuppered Oman-brokered talks between Tehran and Washington that were supported by Gulf nations, who have been pursuing a detente with their giant neighbour after years of strained ties. On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump demanded Iran's "unconditional surrender" and warned it could easily assassinate its supreme leader, fuelling fears of American intervention. Hours later, the UAE's Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan said the Gulf country's president had "conducted intensive diplomatic calls... to de-escalate tensions and prevent the conflict from spreading." Sheikh Abdullah warned against "reckless and miscalculated actions that could extend beyond the borders of the two countries", in a strongly worded statement published by the official WAM news agency. Trump had initially urged Iran to come to the negotiating table, but an official briefed on talks said Tehran told Qatar and Oman that it "will not negotiate while under attack." Oman, Iran's traditional intermediary, said it was engaged in diplomatic efforts as the daily strikes continue. Meanwhile Qatar, a key mediator in the Israel-Hamas war and a negotiator with Iran in the past, has also been "engaging daily" with the US, its foreign ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday. Former Qatari Prime Minister Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani warned on X that "it is not in the interest of the Gulf states to see Iran... collapse", adding that they would be "the first to be harmed" by the war's repercussions. An Arab diplomat told AFP: "Everyone in the Gulf is going to say we are better off making sure we have a deal with Iran, a diplomatic solution with Iran." Shihabi, the Saudi analyst, echoed the sentiment, saying the best outcome was "obviously an agreement between Iran and (the) US." Diplomatic intervention by Saudi Arabia, once a fierce critic of Iran, comes two years after they restored ties. The UAE, which recognised Israel in 2020, has also patched up relations with Tehran since 2022. "Whereas the Saudis may have once called for 'cutting off the head of the snake', their approach toward Iran has shifted dramatically," said Hasan Alhasan, a senior fellow for Middle East policy at the International Institute for Strategic Studies. However, "the Arab Gulf states have almost no ability to shape Israel's or Iran's behaviour or influence the outcome of this war," he told AFP. "It is difficult to see how Israel's military campaign against Iran, whose objectives seem to have quickly metastasised from eliminating Iran's nuclear and missiles programmes to overthrowing the regime, ends well for Iran's Arab Gulf neighbours," Alhasan added.--AFP
Leaders
4 days ago
- Health
- Leaders
Saudi Arabia Participates in BIO 2025 in Boston
A Saudi delegation is currently taking part in the 2025 BIO International Convention with the participation of over 25 government and private entities, according to the Saudi Press Agency. Led by the Saudi Health Ministry, the Saudi pavilion aims basically to highlight the objectives of the National Biotechnology Strategy launched by the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The event provides Saudi Arabia with an exclusive opportunity to showcase its investment opportunities and unparalleled research capabilities. Headed by Deputy Minister of Health for Planning and Development Eng. Abdulaziz Al-Rumaih, the pavilion features several national initiatives in biotechnology and scientific research. Therefore, it stands as a testament to the Kingdom's dedication to encouraging health innovation and boosting investment in clinical research and biotech. Importantly, the participation fosters the Saudi Arabia's efforts to achieve the objectives of the Health Sector Transformation Program outlined by the Saudi Vision 2030. The 2030 vision seeks primarily to establish a vibrant society, a thriving economy, as well as a sustainable, healthy future. Held from June 16 to 19 at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, the 2025 BIO International Convention represents the world's leading event for the biotechnology industry. Related Topics: Saudi Crown Prince Launches National Biotechnology Strategy Opening of Riyadh Global Medical Biotechnology Summit World's First De-extinction: Dire Wolf is Back After 10,000 Years Short link : Post Views: 24 Related Stories
Leaders
5 days ago
- Politics
- Leaders
Saudi Crown Prince, Greek PM Urge for Regional De-escalation
The Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman, and the Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, discussed on Sunday the ongoing escalation between Iran and Israel, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). During a phone call, the Saudi and Greek leaders discussed the latest developments in the region in the light of the Israeli military operations against Iran. They stressed the importance of self-restraint, de-escalation, and resolving all disputes through diplomatic means. The phone call comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, as Israel and Iran are trading missiles and drone strikes, raising fears of a broader conflict in the region. The conflict sparked on Friday after Israel launched a surprise attack on Iran, targeting its nuclear facilities and killing several top military commanders and nuclear scientists. Iran responded by unleashing waves of ballistic missiles towards Israel. As for Sunday, the Iranian strikes killed at least 14 people in Israel and injured 390 others, while the death toll in Iran reached 224 people, with 1,277 others wounded, the Associated Press (AP) reported citing Israeli and Iranian health authorities. The conflict risks dragging other players, as the Houthi rebel group in Yemen launched missile strikes against Israel in coordination with Iran and the UK moved more assets to the region. Moreover, the US President, Donald Trump, hinted at the possibility of US involvement in the conflict. Short link : Post Views: 18
