UAE, Iran senior officials meet for first time since war's start: report

Senior security officials from the United Arab Emirates and Iran held their first face-to-face meeting since the Iran war began, Bloomberg reported Thursday, citing sources familiar with the matter. The UAE's decision to meet stemmed from the understanding that Iran's current regime is unlikely to be overthrown. This realization, combined with the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the slow progress of negotiations between Iran and the US following a ceasefire, prompted the UAE to reopen relations.

One source indicated that Iran had been seeking to re-establish high-level talks with the UAE. However, the UAE delayed engagement until they could ensure any delegation had direct access to Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. Khamenei's status had been uncertain since the war's outset, with widespread speculation about his injury or incapacitation during the initial attacks.

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The UAE agreed to meet after realizing the regime, which it still considers an enemy, will not be dislodged from power.

During the "Operation Roaring Lion," the UAE participated in numerous airstrikes against Iran, coordinating efforts with both the US and Israel. Targets included strategic locations like the islands of Qeshm and Abu Musa in the Strait of Hormuz, Bandar Abbas, and the Lavan Island oil refinery. In retaliation, Iran launched over 2,800 missiles and drones at the UAE, a higher number than directed at any other country, including Israel.

UAE President Sheik Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan had previously expressed frustration with neighboring Gulf states, such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar, for their refusal to join a coordinated military response against Iran's attacks during the war, according to a separate Bloomberg report. Iran has recently launched retaliatory strikes, including 20 missiles into Jordanian airspace and multiple drones into Kuwait and Bahrain, following US strikes that were themselves a response to a helicopter downed over the Strait of Hormuz.

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Iran had been attempting to reestablish high-level talks with the UAE, but that the UAE held off to first ensure that any delegation had a direct line to Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.