Abu Dhabi [UAE], April 15 (ANI): In a significant diplomatic shift, the United Arab Emirates and Iran have re-established high-level contact for the first time since the outbreak of hostilities in February.
UAE Vice President Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan held a telephone conversation with Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, signaling a cautious move toward dialogue as a US-led naval blockade intensifies pressure in the region.
According to the state news agency WAM, the call focused on regional developments and efforts to de-escalate tensions, marking a departure from the strong rhetoric that followed Iranian missile strikes on Abu Dhabi and Dubai earlier this year.
Relations between Abu Dhabi and Tehran had sharply deteriorated after a wave of drone and missile attacks in late February. The UAE had recalled its ambassador from Tehran, shut its embassy in the Iranian capital, and condemned the strikes as violations of sovereignty.
The renewed engagement suggests that the UAE is seeking to safeguard its position as a global logistics and financial hub amid concerns over prolonged instability and volatile oil markets under the ongoing blockade.
The diplomatic outreach coincides with parallel efforts in the region. Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff arrived in Tehran on Wednesday amid a fragile two-week ceasefire and mounting tensions linked to the blockade.
The visit is seen as an attempt to revive stalled peace negotiations between Washington and Tehran after earlier talks in Islamabad failed to produce a breakthrough. General Asim Munir, accompanied by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, was received by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
According to Iranian state media and diplomatic sources, the Pakistani delegation is carrying a message from the United States outlining a possible framework for a second round of high-level negotiations.
These developments come as US President Donald Trump indicated that while he is not considering extending the current ceasefire, a negotiated settlement remains the preferred outcome.
Speaking to ABC News Chief Washington Correspondent Jonathan Karl, Trump expressed confidence about imminent developments, saying, “I think you’re going to be watching an amazing two days ahead.”
He added that a diplomatic resolution would be preferable, stating, “It could end either way, but I think a deal is preferable because then they can rebuild.”
Trump also suggested that further talks could take place within 48 hours. While earlier discussions pointed to a European venue, he later indicated that Islamabad could host the next round of negotiations.
According to CNN, citing sources familiar with the matter, Washington is considering a second round of talks, with US Vice President JD Vance expected to lead the American delegation. Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are also likely to participate.
However, officials noted that no final decision has been made. “Future talks are under discussion, but nothing has been scheduled at this time,” a US official said.
The renewed diplomatic efforts follow direct talks held on April 11–12 between Vice President Vance and Iranian officials, which lasted 21 hours but ended without agreement due to differences over key issues, including Iran’s nuclear program.
Following those talks, Vance said the United States had presented its “final and best offer,” while Trump later announced a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz aimed at curbing what he described as Iranian “extortion.” (ANI)
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