'Just one phone call!' First UAE envoy to India says PM Modi could stop Iran–Israel war instantly

Speaking to NDTV on Monday, Hussain Hassan Mirza, the UAE's inaugural Ambassador to India, stressed that Abu Dhabi has no intention of allowing its territory to be used by either side as a military launch pad.

Mirza said the UAE sees no justification for becoming directly involved in the confrontation.

According to him, the country prefers to maintain neutrality while encouraging diplomatic solutions.

“To be honest, I’m not sure why we are involved. There is no reason for the UAE to be involved in this,” he said during the interview.

UAE’s strategic position between Iran and Israel

The UAE occupies a delicate geopolitical position in the Middle East.

It shares regional proximity with Iran while maintaining diplomatic and economic ties with Israel under the Abraham Accords.

Mirza suggested that this unique position could allow the UAE to play a constructive role as a mediator. Instead of choosing sides, the country could potentially facilitate dialogue between the two rivals.

“We can negotiate between the two,” he said, highlighting the UAE’s ability to communicate with both governments.

UAE envoy praises PM Modi’s influence

Mirza also highlighted the strong diplomatic reputation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi across the Middle East.

According to the envoy, Modi enjoys respect not only among political leaders in the Gulf but also among business communities and the general public across the region.

He argued that this credibility gives the Indian prime minister unusual diplomatic leverage with both sides currently locked in conflict.

“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.

The ambassador’s comments suggest that India’s growing diplomatic profile in the region could play a role in easing tensions if leaders choose to pursue negotiations.

Conflict being fought 'on our soil'

Mirza described the conflict as a troubling situation unfolding in a region that includes many neighbouring states.

He characterised the fighting as a war taking place on shared regional ground and said such a development is unacceptable for countries seeking stability.

“They are fighting each other on our soil. That is unacceptable,” he remarked.

However, the envoy was cautious not to comment extensively on military developments.

He noted that he is not a military expert but said early reports suggesting relatively limited structural damage in certain areas appeared consistent with his understanding of the situation.

War intensifies

Meanwhile, the conflict between Iran and Israel shows little sign of slowing down.

Even as Iran prepares for the transition to a new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, military operations have continued.

On Monday, Israeli forces launched another round of strikes targeting central Iranian locations.

Israeli operations also reportedly targeted Hezbollah infrastructure in Beirut, signalling a widening theatre of confrontation.

Rising human cost of conflict

The human toll from the fighting continues to rise. Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations reported that civilian deaths have reached 1,332, while thousands more people have suffered injuries.

The United States also confirmed the death of a seventh American soldier who had been receiving treatment after being wounded during the conflict.

As the war escalates, diplomatic voices across the region continue to call for de-escalation, with the UAE suggesting that international mediation — potentially involving India — could offer a path towards ending the crisis.