At Bahrain’s Manama Dialogue, UAE presidential diplomatic adviser Anwar Gargash urged political efforts to head off renewed confrontation with Iran and said Gulf states should not absorb energy and trade costs stemming from a crisis they did not cause, The National reported.
The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) listed Gargash in the closing plenary, “Global Security Governance: Inclusion and Agency,” on Nov. 1. The 22nd Manama Dialogue ran in Bahrain from Oct. 30 to Nov. 1; IISS describes it as an annual security summit.
Gulf Today reported that in an X post after the session, Gargash called for “political and diplomatic solutions” to prevent prolonged confrontation. The National reported that he said the UAE wanted to avoid another round of conflict but was prepared for renewed hostilities. Hindustan Times reported that Gargash warned military solutions would complicate the crisis without quickly resolving it.
The National said Gargash argued Gulf states had shown they could defend themselves individually, while the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) had not mounted a collective response. The outlet also reported that the June interim arrangement did not bring a durable end to hostilities or restore routine shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran International reported that consultations with Qatari mediators continued on a proposed two-day plan involving the Strait of Hormuz, without a definitive conclusion. The National described a seven-day proposal tied to the United States lifting its blockade; the reports gave different timelines and did not establish a final agreement.
