DUBAI (Reuters), – As the Gulf states hone in on their economy after COVID-19, the United Arab Emirates seeks to resolve long-standing rivalries with Turkey and Iran through dialogue.

Anwar Gargash was the diplomatic advisor to the UAE President. He said that there were concerns about the United States’ commitment to the region, and about the possibility of a “looming Cold War” between Washington, Beijing, and expressed uncertainty.

The Gulf States, with strong economic and military ties to China, are heavily dependent on the U.S. military. They are monitoring talks between the global powers and Iran in order to revive the 2015 nuclear agreement as well as Taliban’s return as power in Afghanistan following the U.S. withdrawal.

We will find out in the next period what really is happening in relation to America’s presence in that region. Gargash stated that Afghanistan was a “test” and that it wasn’t something we knew yet.

We need to manage the region more effectively. He said that there’s a vacuum, and trouble is always in a vacuum.”

UAE moves to reduce tensions with non-Arab Iran (Turkey) and Turkey. These countries are whose influence was used by the UAE to stop conflicts in Yemen, Libya, and other parts of the region.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE believe that 2015’s nuclear pact failed to address Iran’s missile program and regional proxy network. Gulf states consider Islamist groups like the Muslim Brotherhood a threat to their dynastic systems of government, and UAE is taking steps to fight them.

Turkey is pleased to have recently reexamined its policies towards Egypt and the Brotherhood as well as towards Saudi Arabia. Gargash added that it is important to find a middle-way point and help others.

“The Turks were very supportive of what we said to them,” he stated. Am I positive about Iran’s reach? Yes. Do I believe Iran will alter its regional direction? Although I think I’m more realistic, I believe Iran is concerned about vacuuming and escalate.”

Gargash stated that the pandemic put non-political priorities first and that the main concern right now was being caught between China and the United States.

A looming cold conflict is a concern that all of us are concerned about. This is bad news because it is difficult to choose in international systems, and this will not be easy,” he stated.