The United Arab Emirates is seeking a diplomatic breakthrough between the United States and Iran but remains prepared for the possibility of escalating conflict in the Middle East, a senior UAE official said on Saturday.

Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President, emphasized that renewed fighting would not benefit the region, even as governments continue to monitor potential military developments closely. Speaking at the 22nd International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Manama Dialogue conference in Bahrain, Gargash urged restraint and underscored the importance of dialogue. "We’re hoping that there is a diplomatic breakthrough," he said, "but I think we’re also, as we’ve shown before, braced for the worst."

Gargash’s remarks come amid heightened tensions linked to the ongoing standoff between Washington and Tehran, which has raised concerns about further instability across the Gulf and broader Middle East. The UAE has consistently called for diplomatic measures and compliance with international law to defuse regional crises. Its Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated this stance last week, urging intensified regional and international efforts to avoid escalation.

At the same conference, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi reaffirmed the Gulf states’ readiness to engage in dialogue with Iran, while noting that productive diplomacy depends on reciprocal cooperation. "The GCC states have always called for dialogue and negotiation to resolve any issue in the region, and they still do," Al Budaiwi said. "But diplomacy needs partners, partners who respond in kind." He also highlighted ongoing communication channels between the six-member bloc and Tehran, alongside collaboration with global partners to enhance regional security.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Vice Foreign Minister Waleed Elkhereiji stressed the importance of coordinated international efforts to secure key maritime passages, including the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea, and Bab Al Mandab. He condemned recent attacks by Houthi forces on Saudi territory as well as threats to commercial shipping, underscoring the dangers posed to international navigation and regional stability.

The comments from UAE and GCC officials reflect growing apprehension over potential conflict while reaffirming a preference for diplomatic negotiations amid complex geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East.