The United Arab Emirates sends an ambassador to Iran, a first since 2016

On August 21, the United Arab Emirates announced the dispatch of an ambassador to Tehran, a first since 2016. AP - Kamran Jebreili

Text by: Nicolas Keraudren Follow

3 mins

Last Sunday August 21, the United Arab Emirates announced the dispatch of an ambassador to Tehran, when there had been no more for six years.

In 2016, Abu Dhabi recalled its ambassador from the Iranian capital to express support for its Saudi ally, as Saudi Arabia's embassy in Iran was attacked by demonstrators protesting Riyadh's execution of a senior leader. Shia cleric.

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From our regional correspondent

, 

This gesture towards Tehran is part of a broader strategy of de-escalation of regional tensions initiated by Abu Dhabi.

Clearly, it is better to continue discussions, including with rivals, to find common ground rather than cut ties.

For several months, these examples of appeasement of diplomatic relations have multiplied.

We are of course thinking of the new

, Qatar or Turkey.

Even if Abu Dhabi still sees Tehran as a threat, this new step in calming relations with its powerful neighbor is not a surprise.

Discussions at the highest level between the two countries had also started in 2019. The national security adviser of the Emirates had even met President Raisi in the Iranian capital in

.

Last July, it was the possibility of a return of the Emirati ambassador to Tehran which had already been mentioned.

So it's now official.

A decision that serves the national interests of the Emirates

This diplomatic warming first serves the strategic interests of the Emirates.

Abu Dhabi is seeking to diversify its partners to guarantee its security and no longer depend on the United States, its historical ally.

Moreover, the sending of an ambassador to Tehran by the Emirates coincides with the progress of talks on the Iranian nuclear issue.

In addition to the strategic issues, this new relationship with Tehran also serves the economic and financial interests of the Gulf monarchy.

Iran is an important trading partner of the United Arab Emirates.

Even at the height of the crisis between the two countries, exchanges have never ceased.

A new chapter between Iran and the Gulf countries 

There seems to be a consensus among all the Gulf countries on the need to start a new chapter with Tehran.

Last week, a few days before the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait had already fired its ambassador to Iran.

For its part, Qatar did so

, just one year after the diplomatic crisis.

The Sultanate of Oman, which occupies a special position in the Gulf with a neutral role, has never recalled its ambassador.

On the other hand, the case of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain is particular.

These two kingdoms are the only ones in the Gulf that still do not have an ambassador in Tehran.

But in April 2021, Riyadh resumed discussions with its arch-rival.

The head of Iranian diplomacy has also recently declared that his country and Saudi Arabia are ready to take these discussions to a higher level.

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