Saif Mohammed Al Zaabi, the United Arab Emirates‘ ambassador to Iran, will return to Tehran “in coming days,” the Gulf Arab nation announced on Sunday, more than six years after the Islamic Republic and the UAE cut all ties.The foreign ministry said in a statement that the action is consistent with UAE efforts to improve ties with Iran “to realise the mutual interests of the two countries and the wider region.”
After Saudi Arabia cut its own ties with Tehran in January 2016, the UAE reduced its ties with Iran. The action came after Iranian protestors stormed the Saudi embassy in Tehran following Riyadh’s execution of a prominent cleric.Following attacks in Gulf waters and on Saudi energy facilities amid heightened tensions after Washington withdrew from the international community’s nuclear deal with Iran in 2019, the UAE began reengaging with Tehran after years of hostility on various sides of geopolitical conflicts.
In the past year, Saudi Arabia has held five rounds of direct negotiations with Iran in an effort to normalise relations. This has occurred as the Gulf Arab governments closely monitor efforts to resurrect the 2015 nuclear agreement, which they view as defective since it does not address Iran’s missile development and behaviour.
While concentrating on their economic interests, Riyadh and Abu Dhabi want to put a stop to Tehran’s attempt to dominate the region. However, they also want to keep tensions in check.
