Gulf States Push for Calm With Iran

By Tahani Elghazaly
Published May 23, 2026

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Gulf states, led by Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, are moving to preserve de-escalation between Iran and the United States at a highly sensitive moment, fearing that any new U.S. or Israeli strike on Iran could trigger a wider wave of retaliation affecting regional security, energy routes and trade.

The diplomatic push comes as the ceasefire remains fragile and major disputes continue over the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s highly enriched uranium, sanctions and the terms of ending the war. For Gulf capitals, the confrontation is no longer a distant conflict between Washington and Tehran. It is a direct regional concern because renewed fighting could threaten shipping lanes, energy markets and critical infrastructure.

Qatar has returned to the center of mediation efforts after a Qatari negotiating team arrived in Tehran in coordination with the United States to help secure a deal to end the war and resolve outstanding issues with Iran. Reports say Doha’s renewed role reflects its position as a U.S. ally and a trusted back channel with Tehran, even after Qatar itself was affected by attacks during the regional escalation.

The UAE has voiced its concern more openly. Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, said the chances of a U.S.-Iran agreement were roughly “50-50,” while warning that a second round of fighting would make matters worse. He also warned that a ceasefire alone would not be enough if it failed to address the root causes of instability, and stressed the global importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz neutral and secure.

Saudi Arabia is watching the situation through a sharply practical security lens, especially after it reported intercepting drones that entered its airspace from Iraq. Such incidents show how quickly escalation with Iran can move beyond the U.S.-Iran track and into Gulf airspace and infrastructure. Any disruption to Hormuz or vital facilities would carry heavy economic and security costs for Riyadh, Abu Dhabi and Doha.

Tehran, however, does not appear ready to make easy concessions. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said Iran would not compromise on what it calls its national rights and accused the United States of not being an honest negotiating partner. Talks are reportedly centered on a 14-point Iranian document, while Pakistan continues to lead a key mediation track between the two sides.

The importance of the Gulf position lies in the region’s desire to avoid becoming a battlefield for messages exchanged between Iran, the United States and Israel. A new war would not only mean military strikes. It could also mean energy disruption, threats to ports, airports and critical facilities, and renewed uncertainty for investors and residents in a region built heavily on stability and economic openness.