UAE envoy says ‘one phone call’ from PM Modi could end Iran-Israel conflict

He argued that Prime Minister Narendra Modi commands broad respect across Gulf nations, not only among political leaders but also within business circles and the wider public.

• UAE refuses to let its territory be used in Iran-Israel conflict
• UAE offers to mediate between Iran and Israel if needed
• India's Modi seen as influential in resolving regional tensions

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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has made clear it does not want to be pulled into the ongoing confrontation between Iran and Israel, even as the fighting intensifies across the region.

In an interview with NDTV, Hussain Hassan Mirza, the first UAE Ambassador to India, said that Abu Dhabi has no intention of allowing its territory to be used by either side in the conflict.

"To be honest, I'm not sure why we are involved. There is no reason for the UAE to be involved in this," Mirza said.

Despite distancing the UAE from the fighting, he pointed out that the country occupies a unique geopolitical position. The UAE maintains close relations with Israel through the Abraham Accords while also sharing geographic proximity and ties with Iran. According to Mirza, that balance could allow Abu Dhabi to play a constructive diplomatic role if needed.

"We can negotiate between the two," he said, suggesting that the UAE could potentially help bridge communication between the adversaries.

Mirza also highlighted the influence of India's leadership in the region. He argued that Prime Minister Narendra Modi commands broad respect across Gulf nations, not only among political leaders but also within business circles and the wider public. That credibility, he suggested, could carry weight with both Israel and Iran at a moment when tensions remain high.

"One phone call from Mr Modi to the counterparts in Iran and Israel can solve this issue, can end this issue. One phone call," Mirza told NDTV.

Describing the two sides in the conflict as determined fighters, he remarked that the hostilities are unfolding in a region that should not become a battleground.

"They are fighting each other on our soil. That is unacceptable," Mirza said.

At the same time, he avoided commenting on military assessments, acknowledging the limits of his expertise.

"I am not a military guy," he said, though he added that, based on available reports, the level of damage so far appears limited.

Meanwhile, the conflict itself has shown little sign of slowing. Israel’s military launched another round of strikes on targets in central Iran on Monday and also hit Hezbollah-linked infrastructure in Beirut.

The human toll continues to grow. Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations reported that 1,332 civilians have been killed, with thousands more injured. In a separate development, the United States confirmed that a seventh American soldier had died while receiving medical treatment.