Iran: Emirates expect a breakthrough, but prepare for “the worst”

Othe United Arab Emirates hopes that the ongoing diplomatic efforts will prevent the resumption of hostilities between Tehran and Washington, while declaring themselves “prepared to face the worst,” said local diplomatic source.

“ We expect a diplomatic advance, because it is not in the region’s interest (...) to go through a new cycle of confrontation. But, as we have already demonstrated in the past, we are also prepared to face the worst,” said Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the President of the Emirates, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahyan, during the “Manama Dialogue” conference in the capital of Bahrain.

Discussions are ongoing between Iran and the conflict-mediating countries, including Qatar. Following the visit this week to Tehran by an emirate delegation, Iran sent representatives to the Gulf country to continue the consultations.

Despite these diplomatic efforts, US President Donald Trump reiterated his threats on Saturday, stating that there was still one or two nuclear installations to neutralize.

Information released by the press points to the possibility of a short and intense military campaign after the US mid-term elections, which take place next Tuesday.

The United States will not allow Iran “to hold the region and the world economy hostage,” said an American high-ranking officer present in Manama today.

“The hand of negotiations was extended and these communication channels remained open and active. At the same time, we are also prepared to go another way,” said American Deputy Secretary of State for Middle East Affairs, Donald Blome.

The war began on 28 February following joint attacks by the United States and Israel against Iran, which responded with attacks, notably on allied Gulf countries of Washington.

A ceasefire, in April, ended nearly 40 days of intense bombing, and a memorandum of understanding was reached in June to put an end to the conflict.

However, the fragile understanding collapsed during the summer and negotiations have since failed to put a lasting end to war.