UAE urges U.S. and Iran to reach nuclear deal ahead of renewed talks

Summary

The United Arab Emirates has called on the United States and Iran to secure a long-term nuclear agreement as negotiations resume this week in Istanbul. Emirati officials warned the region cannot afford another conflict, urging direct diplomacy as tensions remain high due to military buildups, sanctions, and domestic pressure inside Iran.

DUBAI — The UAE has intensified diplomatic pressure for a breakthrough between Washington and Tehran, arguing that dialogue is the only viable path to regional stability.

Speaking at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, said the Middle East has already endured enough confrontation and needs sustained U.S.–Iran engagement to prevent further escalation.

“I don’t think we need another war,” Gargash said, calling for direct negotiations to address long-running disputes.

Talks set to restart in Istanbul

Officials from both Iran and the United States confirmed that renewed nuclear discussions will begin Friday in Istanbul.

The U.S. delegation will be led by Steve Witkoff, while Iran’s team will be headed by Abbas Araqchi, according to regional diplomats. Other Middle Eastern states are also expected to take part in supporting roles.

The renewed push follows rising military tension in the Gulf, including increased U.S. naval deployments near Iranian waters and recent public remarks by Donald Trump signalling that diplomacy was underway.

Domestic pressure adds urgency for Tehran

People familiar with internal discussions in Iran say fears of both external military action and growing public anger have increased the leadership’s urgency to pursue negotiations.

Recent crackdowns on protests — the most severe since the 1979 revolution — have strained public trust, raising concerns that another conflict could further destabilize the country.

Core demands still divide both sides

U.S. negotiators are pressing Iran on three main conditions:

• Halting uranium enrichment
• Limiting ballistic missile development
• Ending support for regional proxy groups

Iran has long rejected most of these demands as violations of sovereignty, though some officials privately suggest missile restrictions may be more negotiable than nuclear activity.

Shifting regional dynamics

Iran’s influence across the Middle East has weakened in recent months following Israeli strikes on allied groups in Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen and Iraq, while political upheaval in Syria has eroded one of Tehran’s key partnerships.

These shifts have altered the strategic landscape heading into renewed nuclear talks.

Why this matters

• Lower risk of regional war — a deal could defuse one of the Middle East’s most dangerous flashpoints
• Energy market stability — reduced tensions would ease oil price volatility and supply risk
• Global nuclear security — negotiations shape international non-proliferation efforts
• Stronger Gulf diplomacy — the UAE is emerging as a key mediator in regional conflicts
• Investor confidence — geopolitical stability supports global markets and trade

In effect, the outcome of these talks could reshape Middle Eastern security and global economic sentiment for years.

FAQs

Q1: Why is the UAE pushing for a nuclear deal now?

To reduce regional instability and avoid another conflict through direct diplomacy.

Q2: Where are talks taking place?

Negotiations will resume in Istanbul, Turkey.

Q3: Who is leading the discussions?

Steve Witkoff for the U.S. and Abbas Araqchi for Iran.

Q4: What are the main sticking points?

Iran’s nuclear enrichment, missile program and regional proxy activities.