In a move to mend regional ties, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian announced efforts to strengthen relations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), following a significant meeting with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Khaled bin Mohamed. This meeting, held on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, was described by Pezeshkian as a constructive step towards “putting the past behind us and looking to the future.” The dialogue comes amid ongoing regional tensions, with nations in the area striving for enhanced cooperation in security and shipping routes.
Iran is set to engage in further discussions with representatives from Gulf countries and Iraq in Oman on September 14, focusing on regional security and the strategic Strait of Hormuz. These talks aim to foster a better understanding among the nations and bolster collective security measures. Notably, Bahrain has opted out of participating in this upcoming meeting.
Emphasizing economic collaboration, Pezeshkian advocated for stronger economic ties among BRICS nations, calling for increased use of national currencies in trade and the development of improved financial mechanisms. He highlighted the vulnerability of emerging economies to political and economic pressures due to reliance on existing global financial and trade systems. The Iranian president urged BRICS members to enhance economic resilience and cooperation, opposing unilateral sanctions and attacks on civilian infrastructure.
Pezeshkian also underscored Iran’s strategic significance, energy resources, and transit networks, proposing that the country could play a pivotal role in establishing trade and energy corridors linking BRICS economies. His remarks come at a time of heightened tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring the necessity of regional dialogue and cooperation for ensuring security and stable global energy supplies.