Gulf states back diplomacy to end the US-Iran war as escalation fears grow

Summary

Gulf states are pressing for diplomacy to end the war between the United States and Iran while bracing for the possibility that fighting resumes. Officials and diplomats at the Manama Dialogue backed Qatar-led mediation between Washington and Tehran as the threat of escalation looms, according to Semafor. The New York Times reports that energy-rich Gulf Arab countries are engaged in a flurry of mediation efforts to avert war, with many fearing the fighting would be worse this time around. The NYT also ties the situation to President Trump's midterm deadline.

Timeline

1. Semafor

   2 Nov 2026, 13:40 UTCSource ↗

   Semafor reports that officials and diplomats at the Manama Dialogue supported Qatar-led mediation between the US and Iran as the threat of escalation looms, while Gulf states call for diplomacy to end the war and brace for the worst.

2. New York Times

   3 Nov 2026, 10:47 UTCSource ↗

   The New York Times reports that energy-rich Gulf Arab countries are engaged in a flurry of mediation efforts to avert war between the US and Iran, with many fearing the fighting will be worse this time around, as Trump's midterm deadline looms.