The BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, facilitated the first meeting between UAE leader Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan and Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian, aimed at easing tensions over three disputed islands and addressing regional conflicts, including the war in Gaza. Amidst rising tensions, both sides expressed firm positions regarding territorial sovereignty and cooperation to halt violence in the region.
During the 16th BRICS Summit held in Kazan, Russia, a significant meeting occurred between Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan (MbZ) of the United Arab Emirates and Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian. This meeting marked their first official encounter amid escalating tensions concerning three islands in the Straits of Hormuz—Abu Musa and Greater and Lesser Tunbs—which Iran seized in 1971 during the British withdrawal from the UAE. The backdrop of their discussion included broader regional issues, such as the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon The two leaders deliberated on vital regional developments, with the Iranian president’s official website emphasizing the necessity of addressing the conflict resulting from the Gaza war. Prior to the summit, the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council had urged Iran to “end its occupation of the three islands of the UAE.” In response, Iranian officials reiterated Tehran’s sovereignty over these territories, declaring, “The three islands have always belonged to Iran and will forever remain as such.” The meeting spotlighted the tension stemming from the UAE’s normalization of relations with Israel through the Abraham Accords, further complicating regional dynamics. The UAE’s proposal to contribute to an international force for potential deployment in Gaza raised concerns in Tehran, especially following Iranian military actions against Israeli sites in response to provocations. Additionally, an important dialogue took place between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, with both delegations expressing shared perspectives on de-escalating violence in Gaza and Lebanon. However, the UAE’s news agency reported MbZ’s attendance at the summit without reference to his meeting with President Pezeshkian, suggesting a level of sensitivity surrounding their discussions.
The BRICS Summit serves as a platform for emerging economies, prominently featuring the BRICS nations: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. In recent years, the summit has also seen participation from other nations, reflecting a shift towards a multipolar world that counters Western influence. The conflict over the Straits of Hormuz islands has long-standing historical roots involving territorial claims between Iran and the UAE. Following a period of relative calm, recent global political tensions, exacerbated by the Gaza conflict, have reignited disputes over these islands and impacted regional diplomacy.
In conclusion, the first official meeting between Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan and President Masoud Pezeshkian at the BRICS summit signifies a crucial step toward discussing longstanding conflicts in the Gulf region, particularly regarding the three occupied islands. While both leaders have affirmed their respective positions, the dialogue highlights the importance of addressing regional instability, including the ongoing crises in Gaza and Lebanon. This engagement may foster pathways for de-escalation and promote cooperation between Iran and the UAE, amidst a complex geopolitical landscape.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
