UAE security official meets Iranian president in Tehran
Both Emirati and Iranian officials have signaled a desire in recent months to reduce tensions and improve relations between the two.
The United Arab Emirates’ national security advisor visited Iran today. Leaders in both countries have signaled a desire to reduce tensions between Iran and Arab states in the Gulf.
Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed visited Tehran upon the invitation of Ali Shamkhani, who heads Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. Zayed discussed improving Iran-UAE relations and unspecified regional issues with Iranian officials. He also held a meeting with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Iran’s official Islamic Republic News Agency reported.
Raisi’s administration wants to improve ties with Iran’s neighbors, including Arab states in the Gulf, according to the agency.
The UAE and Iran are divided on many issues. The UAE is a close ally of Iran’s geopolitical foes Saudi Arabia and Israel. The UAE is a nominal member of the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen, which fights the Iran-backed Houthi rebels. Abu Dhabi is also concerned about Iran’s nuclear program, and the two states have a territorial dispute over three islands in the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
