During the BRICS Summit in Kazan, leaders from Iran and the UAE met to address tensions over disputed islands and regional conflicts like the Gaza war. This meeting marks a significant diplomatic effort following accusations surrounding territorial sovereignty and escalating military conflicts between Israel and Iran-backed groups. The leaders underscored the importance of dialogue to seek peace in the region.
During the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, a significant meeting occurred between Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian and UAE leader Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan (MbZ), marking their first official encounter aimed at alleviating escalating tensions regarding the disputed islands in the Persian Gulf. The leaders discussed regional issues, including the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, with an emphasis on the sovereignty controversy surrounding the three islands—Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb—that Iran has controlled since 1971. In light of the recent military conflicts and international responses, particularly from the European Union and Gulf Cooperation Council urging Iran to cease its occupation over the UAE’s claimed territories, the leaders sought dialogue to address these grievances. Iranian official reports noted that discussions included Iran’s assertion of territorial rights, with an Iranian representative 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.” The Iranian government reiterated that these territories, now viewed as integral to its sovereignty, will “forever remain as such.” Moreover, the relationship between Iran and the UAE is further complicated by the latter’s recent normalization pact with Israel, leading to heightened anxieties within Iran regarding potential military actions against its territory. Iran has actively supported various militant groups in the region opposed to Israel, thereby intensifying the geopolitical complexities following the recent escalation of violence following the killing of Hezbollah’s leader. The summit also facilitated dialogue between the foreign ministers of both nations, who expressed mutual concern regarding the ongoing assaults in Gaza and Lebanon, reiterating the necessity for peace amid the rising tensions in the Middle East. The UAE’s participation in the BRICS summit, while not officially confirming the private meeting, underscores a strategic shift in addressing regional issues among key players.
The geopolitical landscape of the Middle East has witnessed varying dynamics due to long-standing territorial disputes, particularly between Iran and the UAE over three islands in the Persian Gulf. The tensions have resurfaced amid recent developments, including the war in Gaza, Israeli military provocations, and Iran’s support of groups opposing Israeli actions. The context of the BRICS Summit and the discussions therein held the potential to reshape diplomatic relations and attempts to diffuse regional strife through dialogue, particularly following the UAE’s normalization of relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords.
The meeting between President Pezeshkian and Sheikh MbZ at the BRICS Summit signifies a crucial step towards mitigating tensions around the disputed islands and addressing broader regional conflicts. The discussions highlighted the need for both nations to navigate their complex relationship, as they grapple with external pressures and an evolving geopolitical landscape. The emphasis on peace and the need to halt violence in Gaza and Lebanon reflects an urgent common interest in fostering stability in West Asia.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
