At the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, UAE leader Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to address rising tensions over three occupied islands. The leaders discussed the situation in Gaza and the UAE’s normalization with Israel, while also affirming Iran’s claims over the islands. The summit marks a crucial diplomatic moment amidst a backdrop of conflict in the region.
During the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, a significant meeting took place between Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan (MbZ), the leader of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian. This meeting marked the first encounter between the two leaders, reflecting efforts to alleviate escalating tensions related to three disputed islands in the Persian Gulf, specifically Abu Musa and the Greater and Lesser Tunbs, which have been under Iranian control since the British withdrawal from the UAE in 1971. The discussions between MbZ and Pezeshkian centered on various issues affecting West Asia, notably the ongoing conflict in Gaza, as well as tensions arising from the UAE’s normalization agreement with Israel, known as the Abraham Accords. The Iranian president’s official website indicated that the leaders addressed the need for a ceasefire concerning Israeli attacks on Gaza and Lebanon. Tensions surrounding the islands were exacerbated recently following a joint statement from the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) urging Iran to relinquish its claims over the islands. In response, Iranian officials reinforced Tehran’s stance, asserting its sovereignty over these territories. Abbas Araghchi, the Iranian Foreign Minister, confirmed that the status of the islands was a topic of discussion but emphasized Iran’s unwavering claim, stating, “We do not miss any opportunity to clarify and firmly defend the positions and interests of the Islamic Republic, especially regarding the three islands of the Persian Gulf,” reflecting the Iranian government’s determination to maintain control over the islands. Additionally, the UAE’s reported willingness to participate in an international force to address the situation in Gaza has further complicated relations, adding to concerns in Iran about its security and regional influence. Amidst a backdrop of mutual criticisms and military tensions, the summit served as a critical platform for dialogue between the two nations that have had strained relations in recent years due to geopolitical dynamics.
The BRICS Summit has historically served as a platform for emerging economies to dialogue and collaborate on various international challenges. In recent times, tensions in the Middle East, particularly between Iran and the UAE, have intensified due to several factors, including territorial disputes over three strategically important islands and the influence of external powers in the region. The islands in question have been a longstanding point of contention, and the recent normalization of relations between the UAE and Israel has further strained Iranian-UAE relations. With the situation in Gaza and broader regional conflicts exacerbating existing tensions, the meeting at the summit represents an essential diplomatic effort to mitigate these issues.
The first meeting between Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan and President Masoud Pezeshkian at the BRICS Summit underscores a moment of potential diplomatic engagement aimed at easing long-standing tensions between the UAE and Iran, particularly regarding territorial disputes in the Persian Gulf. While discussions were held regarding critical issues such as the conflict in Gaza and the status of the islands, Iran’s firm stance on its sovereignty over the islands remains a significant barrier to resolution. Ultimately, this dialogue reflects a complex interplay of regional politics, security concerns, and the ongoing influence of international relations.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
