The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar are discreetly lobbying allies to persuade U.S. President Donald Trump to seek a de-escalation strategy in the wake of escalating military actions against Iran, according to sources familiar with the diplomatic efforts.
The two Gulf states are working to build a broader coalition aimed at achieving a swift and diplomatic resolution to the conflict, hoping to avert further regional instability and a sustained surge in energy prices, the sources said. These discussions have been conducted under conditions of anonymity, as no public announcements have been made.
UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan and Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad al Thani have engaged in telephone conversations with several European leaders in recent days, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, to convey their concerns and seek support for a diplomatic solution.
Prior to the commencement of military operations, representatives from Gulf monarchies, particularly Qatar, which has maintained close business ties with U.S. Intermediaries Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, had been urging restraint for several months, sources revealed. These efforts reflect a long-held vision within the Gulf states of a post-sanctions Iran that would be open to Western investment, particularly in the energy sector and infrastructure development, creating financial corridors stretching from Houston to Tehran.
This proposition reportedly resonated with elements within the Trump administration, with some envisioning a grand bargain akin to the reopening of Venezuela’s oil industry following a special forces operation that led to the capture of Nicolas Maduro.
Concerns over air defense capabilities have prompted requests for assistance from Italy. Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto informed lawmakers on Monday that Gulf nations have requested support in bolstering their air defenses, specifically seeking the provision of anti-aircraft systems. He acknowledged the sensitivity of the situation, citing limited existing capabilities, European needs, and ongoing support for Ukraine.
Since Saturday, when the U.S. And Israel initiated their campaign of strikes against Iran, the conflict has rapidly expanded, drawing in countries that claim non-involvement. Qatar has temporarily suspended liquefied natural gas production at its largest export facility after it was targeted by an Iranian drone, causing gas prices in Europe to jump by more than 50 percent.
Both the UAE and Qatar are privately seeking to urgently enhance their air defense systems. The UAE has requested assistance with medium-range air defense, even as Qatar has sought aid in countering drone attacks, which are perceived as a greater threat than ballistic missiles. An analysis reviewed by Bloomberg indicates that Qatar’s Patriot missile systems have only four days of ammunition remaining if fully utilized.
However, the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement dismissing what it termed “false and misleading claims” published by Bloomberg. The ministry affirmed that the UAE’s advanced defense capabilities, institutional readiness, and integrated national security system remain “robust, and uncompromised.”
Qatar’s International Media Office also released a statement asserting that the Qatari Armed Forces have consistently demonstrated their ability to defend the country against external threats and remain fully prepared to protect all citizens, residents, and visitors. The statement further claimed that Qatar’s inventory of Patriot missile interceptors is “not depleted and remains well-stocked.”
Qatar reported on Saturday that it had intercepted two Iranian Su-24 fighter jets and seven ballistic missiles, as well as five drones. The Ministry of Defense previously announced that Qatar had been attacked by two Iranian drones, one targeting a water reservoir at the Mesaieed power plant and the other an energy facility at Ras Laffan.
