Lana Nusseibeh pledges dialogue with Iran if elected UN chief

Lana Nusseibeh: Lana Nusseibeh serves as UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and former permanent representative to the United Nations, with extensive experience in multilateral diplomacy and Security Council matters. She recently entered the race to become the next UN Secretary-General, stressing the need for proactive problem-solving and committing to pursue dialogue with Iran if selected. United Arab Emirates: The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates in the Arabian Peninsula that actively pursues diplomatic mediation and multilateral engagement on global issues. It recently nominated senior diplomat Lana Nusseibeh for the position of United Nations Secretary-General, highlighting its strategy of leveraging experienced officials to advance dialogue-based approaches to international challenges. Candidacy: Lana Nusseibeh formally announced her candidacy for UN Secretary-General in late October 2026 after nomination by the UAE. Iran Reaction: Iranian officials have criticized her candidacy, drawing responses from UAE diplomats emphasizing the UN's role in fostering dialogue. Regional Backing: Gulf Cooperation Council member states have endorsed her bid for the top UN post.