HOW UAE HELPED PULL REGION BACK FROM WAR

With Iran-Israel tensions at a standstill, the UAE emerges as a trusted diplomatic force fostering regional stability

- BY MOHAMED ALDHUHOORI | Special to Gulf News

A historic war between Iran and Israel may have just been averted in the Middle East. Iran occupies a strategic location between Central Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East, sharing borders with seven neighbouring countries and having access to 10 maritime nations. An escalation of tensions involving Iran could destabilise the region, jeopardising both regional and global peace.

Israel is facing heightened instability from both its northern and southern borders. In the north, tensions are rising with Iran's proxy, Hezbollah, as Israel conducts operations targeting southern Lebanon. Simultaneously, Israel’s southern region is experiencing increasing attacks from Houthi forces. The Houthis have previously escalated their activities in the Bab Al Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea, prompting US military intervention when American interests were threatened. Although that intervention has concluded, it could be reinitiated if the Houthis perceive a threat to the Iranian political regime. Considering both the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab Al Mandeb Strait, it is clear that international shipping routes could be significantly impacted, potentially leading to a catastrophic situation for the global economy.