ABU DHABI — Senior security officials from the United Arab Emirates and Iran have held their first face-to-face talks since the start of the regional war, according to reports citing people familiar with the discussions, in a diplomatic contact aimed at reducing tensions between the Gulf neighbors.
The meeting, which was not publicly announced in detail by either government, marked the first known direct high-level security engagement between the two countries since hostilities began, according to reports. The discussions involved officials responsible for national security affairs and focused on regional developments and bilateral relations, the reports said.
The contact comes after weeks of heightened tensions between Tehran and Abu Dhabi during the conflict. The United Arab Emirates has faced security concerns linked to the fighting, while Iran has sought to manage relations with Gulf states as broader diplomatic efforts continue.
The UAE and Iran have maintained economic ties despite political differences, with the UAE previously serving as one of Iran’s important trading partners. Officials familiar with the discussions said the talks reflected recognition on both sides of the need for more stable relations, although details of the agenda and any agreements reached were not disclosed.
The meeting followed a publicized phone conversation on June 26 between UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, in which the UAE emphasized maritime security and the importance of maintaining traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, according to Reuters.
The Strait of Hormuz, a major global energy shipping route, has been a central concern during the conflict. Regional governments and international partners have sought to prevent further disruptions to commercial shipping and reduce the risk of renewed escalation.
The talks also come as wider diplomatic efforts involving Iran, the United States, and regional actors continue. Separate negotiations have focused on ceasefire arrangements, security issues, and economic measures, though several issues remain unresolved.
Neither the UAE nor Iran has publicly announced a formal agreement resulting from the meeting, and officials have not provided details on whether further talks are planned. The latest confirmed development is that senior officials from both countries have resumed direct contact after a period of military confrontation and regional tension.
