Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, crown prince of Abu Dhabi, on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in New Delhi on September 12, 2026. Sheikh Khaled said in a social media post that the leaders addressed regional and international issues along with the importance of supporting de-escalation efforts, reducing tensions, and achieving stability in the region. The meeting represented the first high-level contact since Iranian attacks on U.S. allies intensified tensions earlier in the year, the South China Morning Post reported. Saudi Arabia’s closure of its East-West oil pipeline after a drone strike the previous day added urgency to discussions over energy security.
The UAE has pursued a policy of keeping diplomacy open with Iran while stressing deterrence, a stance detailed in the Arab Times coverage of ongoing talks. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan discussed regional developments with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi in a June 26, 2026, phone call, according to the state news agency WAM. Sheikh Abdullah emphasized full compliance with a U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding to halt hostilities, respect for sovereignty and the free flow of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Reuters noted the exchange as a rare public contact after Iranian strikes disrupted Dubai’s economy and stability perceptions.
UAE officials have conditioned further engagement on behavioral changes from Tehran, Dr. Ali Al Nuaimi told a Dubai Press Club panel in April 2026, as reported by Khaleej Times. Al Nuaimi highlighted a significant trust deficit, noting that Iranian statements frequently contradict its actions. A senior UAE official told the Financial Times in July 2026 that the country would build its deterrence capability, operate diplomatically and use its economic heft to navigate the crisis. This approach has guided contacts delegated to senior figures including Vice President Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan and national security adviser Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Trade and direct shipping between the UAE and Iran resumed in July 2026 after the ceasefire, Iran’s Trade Promotion Organization said according to Mehr News Agency. An Iranian delegation visited Abu Dhabi on August 11 for low-key talks in which Tehran sought help with food and medicine while requesting non-cooperation with U.S. sanctions, sources told Axios. Emirati officials rejected those requests outright. The interactions underscore Abu Dhabi’s willingness to engage without compromising on sanctions or security matters.
Diplomatic adviser Dr. Anwar Gargash said on June 15, 2026, that the UAE emerged from the tensions stronger and more confident after using diplomacy to avoid wider war while protecting its sovereignty, Gulf News reported. Gargash referenced a foreign ministry statement that called for adherence to international law and protection of maritime corridors. The Strait of Hormuz carries an average of 20 million barrels per day, around 25 percent of world seaborne oil trade, according to the International Energy Agency. Officials have repeatedly highlighted uninterrupted navigation through the waterway as a core interest.
Gulf states including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman have maintained senior-level contacts with Iran despite the 2025 war, a May 2026 assessment by the Middle East Council on Global Affairs found. The council noted that geography makes some form of modus operandi with Tehran unavoidable for GCC countries. The UAE, as a primary target of Iranian attacks, has balanced re-engagement with reinforced partnerships with the United States and Israel. Any progress depends on verifiable guarantees and accountability, officials have stated.
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