‘One call from Modi can end issue’: UAE ambassador on PM’s standing amid Middle East conflict

The widening conflict in the Middle East, with Iran and the United States stepping up attacks against each other, has raised fears of serious global repercussions.

Amid the escalating tensions, the United Arab Emirates ambassador to India reportedly suggested that a single phone call from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to leaders in Iran and Israel could help end the crisis.

The conflict, triggered by joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran that reportedly killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, quickly expanded across the region, with hostilities spilling into Gulf countries such as the UAE, Qatar and Jordan.

Hussain Hassan Mirza, the UAE’s first ambassador to India, told NDTV that Abu Dhabi has no interest in being drawn into the US-Israel-Iran conflict and said there was “no reason” for the UAE to be involved.

When asked about the possibility of Modi reaching out to Gulf leaders, Mirza said the Indian prime minister enjoys strong respect among governments, business leaders and the public across the region. He added that the same credibility extends to the countries involved in the war.

“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 said.

He added that the UAE considers the ongoing hostilities unacceptable, saying the warring sides were effectively fighting on the UAE’s soil.

Mirza also highlighted the UAE’s potential role in mediation, noting that Abu Dhabi has a sensitive geopolitical position — being a neighbour to Iran and a partner of Israel through the Abraham Accords.

“This is where the UAE becomes useful. We can negotiate between the two,” he said, while adding that he was speaking from a civilian perspective rather than a military one. He also said reports suggesting limited damage inside the UAE appeared accurate so far.

Modi speaks with UAE president

Prime Minister Modi spoke with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan shortly after the conflict expanded, condemning attacks on the Gulf nation.

“Spoke with President of the UAE, my brother Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Strongly condemned the attacks on the UAE and condoled the loss of lives in these attacks. India stands in solidarity with the UAE in these difficult times,” Modi wrote on X.

He also thanked the UAE leader for the care extended to the large Indian community living in the country.

“We support de-escalation, regional peace, security and stability,” the prime minister added.

India calls for dialogue

India has consistently called for restraint as the crisis unfolds. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reiterated in Parliament that New Delhi favours diplomacy and dialogue to end the hostilities.

“Our government issued a statement on February 20 expressing deep concern and urging all sides to exercise restraint. We continue to believe that dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate the tensions,” Jaishankar said.

He also addressed concerns about India’s energy security, saying the government would safeguard national interests while ensuring stable energy supplies.

“The interest of Indians is the top priority. Our national interests will always be paramount,” he told Parliament.