UAE Expects US-Iran Breakthrough, Says It Is Ready for Worst Case

The United Arab Emirates said it is hopeful that talks between the United States and Iran could produce a breakthrough, while also preparing for a worst-case scenario, according to KBS 뉴스. The remarks were reported on Sunday, November 1, 2026, and were also carried by YTN.

The Emirati position comes amid sharply escalating rhetoric between Washington and Tehran. Iran's supreme leader warned that if the United States resumes attacks, Iran would respond immediately and without geographic limits, 경향신문 reported.

President Trump, meanwhile, said most of Iran's military capability has been neutralized and claimed the United States could strike the "Pickaxe Mountain" site within ten minutes, according to 동아일보. The reporting did not elaborate on the site or the basis for the claim.

On the diplomatic side, Iran's foreign ministry said it currently has no plans to hold talks with the United States, though consultations with mediators are continuing, 연합인포맥스 reported.

Taken together, the statements point to a gap between the UAE's expressed hope for a negotiated opening and the public positions of the two main parties. Abu Dhabi's readiness for a worst case suggests Gulf states are weighing the risk of further escalation even as they leave room for diplomacy.

What to watch next: whether mediators can convert the ongoing consultations into direct contact between Washington and Tehran, and whether the public warnings from both capitals ease or intensify.