Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, chairman of the Defense, Interior and Foreign Affairs Committee of the UAE’s Federal National Council, told Fox News Digital that recent Qatari‑mediated talks have shown “some progress” toward a diplomatic breakthrough between the United States and Iran. He expressed cautious optimism, adding that the United Arab Emirates hopes both sides can build trust and avoid a renewed war.
U.S. stance and Iranian demands
President Trump has not ruled out further military options, while Tehran continues to demand seven pre‑conditions, including sanctions relief and an end to the American naval blockade, before substantive negotiations can move forward.
UAE’s dual approach: hope and preparedness
The Emirates, which endured thousands of Iranian missile and drone attacks earlier this year, view any diplomatic progress as a welcome development but stress that they must remain ready for the worst. “We plan for the worst. We hope for the best,” Al Nuaimi said, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to defending its people, sovereignty and infrastructure.
He also distinguished the Iranian regime from its people, noting that the Iranian population deserves respect and has “great values” and a rich civilization.
Local resilience on display
Despite the geopolitical uncertainty, daily life in Dubai appears normal. Restaurant terraces are full, tourists fill the streets, and a fountain show blends Arabic and Western music. In Abu Dhabi, the ADIPEC 2026 energy conference opened with delegates discussing investment and energy solutions, even as ExxonMobil and Chevron executives withdrew over security concerns.
UAE officials highlighted that the country’s ability to weather crises stems from years of preparation. “We did not write our resilience playbook during this disruption; we wrote it years before,” said Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, minister of industry and advanced technology and CEO of ADNOC.
Strategic partnership with the United States
Al Nuaimi stressed that the UAE’s relationship with the United States transcends any single administration. “Our main partnership is with the United States as a nation, with the American people,” he said, noting that ties span education, medicine, technology, energy and investment and will endure regardless of political changes in Washington.
Analysts and Emirati researchers echoed the sentiment, describing the UAE’s security strategy as encompassing not only missile defense but also reliable energy supplies, food security and the ability to keep international commerce flowing during crises.
As negotiations continue, the UAE remains hopeful that diplomatic progress will reduce the risk of further conflict while maintaining a robust defense posture to protect its citizens and regional stability.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
