The United Arab Emirates (UAE) does not want to be drawn into the ongoing Iran–Israel conflict and will not allow its territory to be used as a launch base by either side, Hussain Hassan Mirza, the first UAE Ambassador to India, said in an interview with NDTV.
Speaking about the escalating tensions in the region, Mirza stressed that the UAE has no reason to become directly involved in the conflict.
"To be honest, I'm not sure why we are involved. There is no reason for the UAE to be involved in this," Mirza said.
UAE’s sensitive position in the region
The UAE occupies a delicate geopolitical position in West Asia. It shares proximity with Iran while also maintaining diplomatic and economic ties with Israel under the Abraham Accords.
According to Mirza, this unique position allows the UAE to potentially act as a mediator rather than a participant in the conflict.
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Abu Dhabi, he said, believes its balanced relations could help facilitate dialogue between the two sides. “We can negotiate between the two," Mirza said while explaining how the UAE could contribute to de-escalation efforts.
Modi’s global standing
During the interview, Mirza also spoke about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s influence and credibility in the region. He said PM Modi enjoys strong respect not only among Gulf leadership but also among the public and business communities across West Asia.
That credibility, Mirza suggested, extends to both Iran and Israel.
"One phone call from Mr Modi to the counterparts in Iran and Israel can solve this issue, can end this issue. One phone call," Mirza told NDTV.
He said this confidence comes from PM Modi’s rapport with both sides, describing them as “warriors”, who are now locked in what he called a war being fought “on our soil”.
Conflict continues despite leadership transition
Mirza described the ongoing confrontation as a war unfolding in the region itself. "They are fighting each other on our soil. That is unacceptable," he said.
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At the same time, he clarified that his comments were not based on military analysis. “I am not a military guy," he said, adding that reports indicating limited damage so far appear accurate according to his assessment.
The conflict between Iran and Israel has shown no signs of slowing down, even as Iran undergoes a leadership transition. Mojtaba Khamenei has taken over as the new Iranian Supreme Leader.
Israel’s military launched fresh strikes on central Iran on Monday and also targeted Hezbollah infrastructure in Beirut.
The human toll from the conflict continues to rise. Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations said 1,332 civilians have been killed so far, with thousands more injured. The United States also confirmed that a seventh American soldier died while receiving treatment.
