Emirati President discusses positive developments in the region with Iranian Foreign Minister
United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, along with the nation's Foreign Minister, met with Iranian Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian to discuss promising developments in the region in a significant diplomatic move. This High Level Meeting aimed to foster cooperation and address regional concerns between the UAE and Iran.
Iran's Foreign Minister concluded a three-day tour of the Gulf on Thursday, during which he met with leaders and officials from Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). He discussed with his counterparts their respective countries' relations, regional developments, economic cooperation and Iran's nuclear programme. Amir-Abdollahian's visits were the latest in a line of diplomatic actions taken by Tehran to lessen its isolation, strengthen its economy and project strength in the face of escalating tensions with the West over its nuclear programme and its sale of drones to Russia.
In recent months, the UAE and Iran have held a number of talks and meetings. Telephone conversations such as the one last November between the foreign ministers of the two countries. Also, last March's visit to Abu Dhabi by the former secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, as well as last week's meeting in Abu Dhabi with Iran's deputy foreign minister and European diplomats to discuss strategic files in relation to Iran's nuclear programme.
The UAE, which is known for its hands-on approach to regional issues, has always strived to keep lines of communication open with its neighbours, even in times of strained relations. Last September, the UAE resumed diplomatic relations after six years, with Saif Mohammed al-Zaabi taking up diplomatic duties from the Iranian capital. Iran also took a step forward in diplomatic relations by assigning a new ambassador to the UAE last April. The onset of past tensions between the UAE and Iran stems mainly from the 2016 breakdown in relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, with the storming of the Saudi Embassy. The UAE's initiatives to encourage peaceful resolutions and dialogue are evidence of the nation's proactive approach to regional issues. While the outcome of this meeting remains to be seen, it represents an important step forward in bridging the gap and fostering understanding between the UAE and Iran.
The Islamic Republic has also engaged in indirect talks with the US through Oman, with nuclear issues, US sanctions and a possible prisoner swap on the agenda. The aim of the talks is to resurrect the 2015 nuclear deal, which Iran reneged on in retaliation for the US withdrawal from the agreement under President Donald Trump in 2018. Negotiations have been stalled since September as the two sides remain divided over how to reinstate the deal that offered Iran sanctions relief in exchange for curbing its nuclear programme.
Recent meetings between Iran and Gulf Arab nations may be a sign of a thaw in relations between them, which could have an effect on stability and security in the region. However, many challenges and obstacles remain to achieving a lasting rapprochement that satisfies all parties involved.