UAE Deputy PM Holds First Call with Iran's Ghalibaf Amid Ceasefire Push
The United Arab Emirates' Deputy Prime Minister, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, held a significant phone conversation with Iran's Parliament Speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, marking the first high-level contact between the two nations since the onset of the Iran war. The discussion focused on de-escalating regional tensions and addressing recent developments. This diplomatic engagement occurs as efforts intensify to extend the current US-Iran ceasefire, which is scheduled to expire on April 22. Relations between Abu Dhabi and Tehran have been severely strained following repeated Iranian missile and drone attacks on Gulf states, particularly the UAE, in retaliation for joint US-Israeli strikes. The UAE Ministry of Defense reported intercepting hundreds of projectiles, leading Abu Dhabi to close its embassy in Tehran and recall its ambassador. Additionally, Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz has impacted regional oil exports, though the UAE has mitigated some effects via alternative pipelines. With Pakistan facilitating further negotiations between Washington and Tehran, this direct dialogue represents a critical step toward stabilizing the region and potentially securing a prolonged cessation of hostilities.
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UAE Deputy PM Holds First Call with Iran's Ghalibaf Amid Ceasefire Push
The United Arab Emirates' Deputy Prime Minister, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, held a significant phone conversation with Iran's Parliament Speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, marking the first high-level contact between the two nations since the onset of the Iran war. The discussion focused on de-escalating regional tensions and addressing recent developments. This diplomatic engagement occurs as efforts intensify to extend the current US-Iran ceasefire, which is scheduled to expire on April 22. Relations between Abu Dhabi and Tehran have been severely strained following repeated Iranian missile and drone attacks on Gulf states, particularly the UAE, in retaliation for joint US-Israeli strikes. The UAE Ministry of Defense reported intercepting hundreds of projectiles, leading Abu Dhabi to close its embassy in Tehran and recall its ambassador. Additionally, Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz has impacted regional oil exports, though the UAE has mitigated some effects via alternative pipelines. With Pakistan facilitating further negotiations between Washington and Tehran, this direct dialogue represents a critical step toward stabilizing the region and potentially securing a prolonged cessation of hostilities.
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