UAE Says Rebuilding Trust With Iran Could Take Decades

Restoring trust between the United Arab Emirates and Iran could take years - and potentially decades - despite efforts to reopen dialogue between the two countries, a senior adviser to the UAE president has warned.

Anwar Gargash, a diplomatic adviser to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, made the comments while speaking at the third annual Hili International Forum in Abu Dhabi on September 7. The event brought together regional policymakers, government officials, academics and business leaders.

Gargash said any future dialogue with Iran would need to go beyond immediate security concerns and address a broader range of strategic issues affecting the Gulf.

"Our dialogue with Iran should be ambitious," Gargash said, highlighting security, non-interference, freedom of navigation and economic cooperation as key areas for discussion.

He said the ultimate objective should be to rebuild confidence between the two countries after years of tensions.

"Trust is the mountain we will have to climb," Gargash said, while adding that there remained a worthwhile goal at the end of that effort.

The UAE is among several Gulf states that have faced repeated Iranian drone and missile attacks since the conflict began on February 28, adding to longstanding regional concerns over security and Iran's military activities.

The continuing disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has also prompted the UAE to pursue alternative routes for its exports.

Gargash said the UAE was working to ensure that its energy shipments and wider commercial activity could continue despite instability affecting one of the world's most important maritime trade routes.

"Our energy exports will not be held hostage, nor will our trade and economic activity," he said.

His comments underline the difficult balance facing Gulf states as they seek to maintain diplomatic engagement with Iran while protecting their security and economic interests amid the continuing regional conflict.