Archive · 14 Sep 2026
Iran and UAE Seek to Turn the Page After Delhi Talks
Iran and the United Arab Emirates have had serious disagreements during the war in West Asia.
Their leaders met in New Delhi during the BRICS Summit.
Iran’s president said the discussion was constructive.
He said both countries want to leave past problems behind and work together.
The UAE said the meeting was about lowering tensions and supporting peace.
Iran says it does not have a problem with the UAE itself.
However, Iran objects to United States military bases in Gulf countries.
The UAE had suspended trade and financial exchanges with Iran in August.
India has encouraged dialogue, diplomacy and safe movement for ships and trade.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran and the UAE agreed to put past tensions behind them and build a better future.
Pezeshkian described his meeting with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as constructive.
The leaders met on September 12 on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, with Pezeshkian speaking publicly the following day.
The UAE said the talks focused on de-escalation, reducing tensions, regional stability, peace and development.
Pezeshkian said Iran objects to United States military bases in Gulf countries, not to the UAE or other regional states.
- Who
- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, representing Iran and the United Arab Emirates.
- What
- They held high-level bilateral talks and expressed support for improving relations, reducing tensions and pursuing regional stability.
- When
- The meeting took place on September 12; Pezeshkian discussed it publicly on September 13.
- Where
- On the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, India.
- Why
- The talks followed deteriorating Iran-UAE relations during the regional war and aimed to support de-escalation, regional security, peace and development.
Iran’s Position
UAE and Indian Emphasis
Source of tensions
Iran’s Position
Pezeshkian said Iran has no problem with the UAE or other regional countries but objects to United States military bases in Gulf states, which he said were used to attack Iran.
UAE and Indian Emphasis
The UAE’s public statement focused on reducing tensions, de-escalation and regional stability rather than addressing Iran’s accusation about military bases.
Path toward improvement
Iran’s Position
Iran said the two countries should turn the page, look to the future and rebuild their relationship.
UAE and Indian Emphasis
The UAE emphasized peace and development, while India called for dialogue and diplomacy, freedom of navigation and uninterrupted commerce.
Regional security
Iran’s Position
Pezeshkian said friendly countries should not allow their territory to be used by enemies to attack neighboring countries.
UAE and Indian Emphasis
Iran’s foreign ministry said it remained committed to security of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, while India raised concerns about its seafarers and commercial vessels.
- Meeting date
- September 12, during the BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
- Iranian president
- Masoud Pezeshkian said the exchange with the Abu Dhabi crown prince was constructive.
- UAE representative
- Crown Prince Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan represented the UAE at the summit.
- Shared message
- Pezeshkian said the two sides agreed to turn the page, look to the future and build it together.
- UAE emphasis
- The Abu Dhabi Media Office highlighted de-escalation, reduced tensions, regional stability, peace and development.
- Trade restrictions
- The UAE announced on August 19 that it had suspended trade, commercial exchange and financial transactions with Iran until further notice.
- Planned regional meeting
- Iran and Gulf Cooperation Council countries, including the UAE, were scheduled to meet in Oman on Monday to discuss regional security and understanding.
