Dr. Anwar Gargash, diplomatic advisor to the President of the United Arab Emirates, stated at an Arab media conference in Dubai that rebuilding trust between the UAE and Iran will be a time-consuming process. He emphasized that communication with Tehran must continue as the two countries are neighbors, but trust is a separate issue that needs to be addressed following the attacks on Gulf countries.
Challenges of Bilateral Relations
Gargash further explained that the UAE is managing the current crisis while also assessing its future relations with Iran. He said: "Ultimately, we are neighbors, and our relationship with Iran is complex. There is certainly a collapse in the regional security regime, and therefore we must seek new channels for mutual understanding."
Three Approaches of the UAE
The advisor to the President of the UAE divided the country's approach into three parts. He stated: "First, defending our sovereignty, then resilience, and third, continuing economic development amid the crisis." He referred to the President of the UAE's trip to Germany and said: "We must strive to maintain our development and economic enthusiasm, as we do not want to halt our economy in the midst of this crisis."
In response to a question about his statements on September 7 that the UAE's trust in Iran has been broken, he said that he made a significant distinction between relations and trust. He added: "Relations are essential, and we must engage based on open dialogue with Iran. However, rebuilding trust requires a lot of time and may take years."
Concerns About Regional Security
The UAE advisor also pointed to the dangers posed by Iranian proxy groups and stated that Gulf countries must play a mediating role in returning Tehran to its international standing. He said: "They cannot negotiate a new future while still threatening their neighbors."
Gargash clearly stated that the UAE has not taken any specific financial or political actions against Iran and has only defended itself. He noted: "We still extend a hand of friendship for amicable relations."
Global Concerns and Regional Cooperation
He also referred to the situation of the Houthis in Yemen and their control over the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, stating that this issue is "a concern for all" and not just a regional matter. He added: "This relates to the international economy, and we must return to the fundamental principles that these straits are international."
Gargash did not set a timeline for further contacts with Tehran and stated that the UAE did not choose war but defended itself, and this is the beginning of the political dialogue that must commence.
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