UAE maintains strategic dialogue with Iran despite deep suspicions

In a notable diplomatic development, Dr. Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), met today in Abu Dhabi with Saeed Khatibzadeh, Deputy Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Head of the Centre for Political and International Studies. 

The meeting signalled a continuation of high‑level talks between the two states, even as deep‑seated mistrust remains.

During their discussions, the two sides explored how to deepen bilateral relations, reviewed regional and global developments, and sought areas of mutual interest. Gargash stressed the UAE’s preference for dialogue and diplomacy in resolving regional tensions.

This engagement comes against a backdrop of a fragile rapprochement between Abu Dhabi and Tehran. The UAE, while maintaining strategic ties with Iran, remains cautious of Tehran’s regional ambitions, particularly its support for proxy groups and its complex economic relations with the Gulf.

For its part, Iran views the UAE as an important financial and trade hub and seeks to leverage Emirati channels for access to global markets. But Tehran’s strategic caution remains clear: while it engages, it remains alert to any shift in Gulf dynamics.