The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Iran launched their inaugural round of political consultations on February 28, 2025, signalling a noteworthy step toward enhanced cooperation between the two nations. The meeting, held in Abu Dhabi, was co-chaired by HE Lana Nusseibeh, the UAE Assistant Minister for Political Affairs, and HE Majid Takht Ravanchi, the Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs.
During this significant session, both countries underscored the value of the consultations as a platform to address wide-ranging mutual interests, reflecting a mutual desire to stabilize and enrich their bilateral relations. The meeting also featured participation from senior officials, including UAE Ambassador to Iran, Saif Al Zaabi, and Iranian Ambassador to the UAE, Reza Ameri.
According to statements from the UAE Foreign Ministry, the political consultations served as a fruitful opportunity for discussions on both political and economic relations, as well as regional developments affecting their cooperation. "Both countries welcomed the consultations and emphasized their importance as an opportunity to discuss mutual interests and develop cooperation," the ministry statement noted.
Ravanchi highlighted the integral role of the Joint Committee for Political Consultations, stating, "The Joint Committee plays a significant role in strengthening coordination between the two countries." He expressed optimism about the frequency of these meetings, saying, "We hope to hold these meetings regularly to accelerate the implementation of agreements and explore new areas of collaboration." These commitments reflect the recent thawing of relations which had been historically strained.
Central themes during the talks included the pressing situation of the Palestinian territories. Takht Ravanchi reiterated Iran's call for Islamic unity against Israel’s actions, framing it as a necessary stance against what he described as the "crimes of the Zionist regime" and its destabilizing influence on the region. His remarks were particularly timely, remarks coinciding with heightened tensions and international concerns surrounding the conflict.
Nusseibeh responded firmly, reaffirming the UAE’s rejection of any proposal to displace Palestinians from Gaza, reiteratively stressing, "The UAE rejects any proposal to expel Palestinians from Gaza," marking Abu Dhabi's commitment to uphold the rights of Palestinians amid the crisis.
This round of consultations is part of broader efforts undertaken by both countries to strengthen diplomatic ties, which had soured over various issues, including territorial disputes and political alignments. Historically, relations between the UAE and Iran were marked by tension, especially following developments such as the downgrading of diplomatic ties by the UAE after the storming of the Saudi embassy in Tehran. This backdrop makes their recent engagement even more poignant.
Prior to this political engagement, both nations had initiated cooperative economic frameworks. Notably, the first session of the UAE-Iran Joint Economic Committee was convened last May, where initiatives aimed at bolstering economic collaboration were discussed. This proactive approach reflects the underlying intention of both nations to establish stronger ties across sectors beyond politics.
Significantly, these discussions are symptomatic of Iran's increased diplomatic engagements with Arab nations, particularly as it seeks to leverage joint efforts against common challenges. The outcome of these consultations highlights the potential for not only improved bilateral relations between the UAE and Iran but also regional cooperation on pivotal issues affecting all Arab states.
Both nations are aware of the necessity for sustainable dialogue to counter regional tensions and bolster economic partnerships. They seek to create frameworks whereby each nation can pursue prosperity collectively, tapping on economic synergies and enhancing trade relations already established during events such as the Expo Iran, which aimed to highlight the possibilities of bilateral trade.
Conclusively, the inaugural political consultations between the UAE and Iran mark the beginning of what many hope will be constructive engagement moving forward. These meetings could set precedence for regular dialogue aimed at addressing longstanding grievances and collaborating on mutual interests. The commitment to advance cooperation remains at the forefront of this initiative, illustrating both nations’ intent for collaborative growth and regional stability.