Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, stressed the need to advance diplomatic efforts to promote security and stability in the region during a phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Sheikh Abdullah emphasised the importance of de-escalation during the call, amid growing concerns about the prospect of renewed conflict between the US and Tehran. The two ministers discussed the "overall situation in the region", state news agency Wam reported late on Thursday evening.
Mr Araghchi had earlier held phone calls with the foreign ministers of Turkey and Kuwait, Hakan Fidan and Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al Sabah, regarding the latest developments.
Growing tension
On Thursday, Iran claimed at least three tankers had caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz, leaving ships in peril amid efforts to prevent the war from reigniting.
The Iranian navy said the ships hit mines and caught fire while sailing in "prohibited areas" – the term Tehran uses when referring to a vessel that avoids its preferred route.
The naval forces of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said two tankers had caught fire the previous night.
Iran's claims have not yet been confirmed. The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency said one tanker had been hit by two objects north of Qatar late on Wednesday. Reports identified the ship as the Velos Sapphire.
UAE calls for peace
Dr Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to President Sheikh Mohamed, said last Sunday that the UAE did not want a new round of military confrontation, but tat the country is prepared for the worst as it seeks a peaceful solution to the Iran war.
Speaking at the IISS Manama Dialogue in Bahrain, Dr Gargash said the UAE and other Gulf states were hoping that mediation efforts would lead to a breakthrough, saying further escalation between Washington and Tehran would serve neither regional interests nor those of Iran.
The UAE was the most heavily attacked country after the war began in February. It faced more than 550 ballistic missiles and 2,265 drones, most of which were intercepted or destroyed before reaching their targets.
A ceasefire began in June when the US and Iran signed an agreement intended to pave the way for a final peace settlement.
Mr Trump declared the truce and the deal “over” in early July after renewed Iranian attacks on ships in the strait and retaliatory American strikes. Both sides have indicated in recent weeks that they are preparing for hostilities to resume.
