Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met in New Delhi on Saturday on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit. Following the meeting, President Pezeshkian stated that the two nations intend to turn the page
, look toward the future, and build it together.
Iran and UAE Seek Diplomatic Reset at BRICS Summit
The interaction marks the highest-level contact between Tehran and Abu Dhabi since the region entered a period of chaos following joint US-Israeli aggression against Iran and subsequent retaliatory strikes by the Islamic Republic on US bases in Gulf states, including the UAE. The meeting occurred as the 11-member BRICS grouping sought common ground on the conflict in West Asia, which began with US-Israeli strikes on February 28.
According to President Pezeshkian, Iran has no problem
with the UAE or other regional countries. However, he objected to the presence of US military bases in Gulf countries, accusing the US of using those installations to attack Iran during the war. Pezeshkian asserted that friendly countries should not allow enemies
to use their soil to attack neighboring countries.
Regional Conflict and Economic Tensions
The diplomatic outreach follows a period of severe tension. Last month, the UAE announced the suspension of financial exchanges and trade with Iran. Additionally, Abu Dhabi had revoked residency permits for Iranian nationals and closed Iranian schools. These actions followed Iranian strikes on Abu Dhabi, which hosts the Al Dhafra Base and the US Air Force’s 380th Air Expeditionary Wing. Abu Dhabi described those attacks as a flagrant violation of national sovereignty
.
While a ceasefire took effect on April 8, 2026, reports indicate that sporadic strikes and retaliatory UAE strikes on Iranian targets continued around that date. Some reports indicate the UAE carried out strikes on Iran coordinated with intelligence support from the US and Israel, even a day after the April ceasefire.
The broader conflict between the US and Iran has now entered its sixth month. The war began after US and Israeli forces attacked Iran, resulting in the death of Iran’s supreme leader and injuries to his son and designated successor. US President Donald Trump stated on Sunday that he does not care
if Gulf countries meet with senior Iranian officials to discuss the future of the Strait of Hormuz, noting the decision is up to them
.
BRICS Consensus and the New Delhi Declaration
The leaders of the BRICS bloc unanimously adopted the New Delhi Declaration 2026, which expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions in the Middle East. The declaration called for:
- Maximum restraint, dialogue, and diplomacy to achieve lasting peace.
- The protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure.
- Respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
- The maintenance of global trade, supply chains, and energy flows.
The adoption of this statement follows a failed attempt by BRICS foreign ministers to reach a common agreement during a May meeting in New Delhi, where Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE remained divided. Chinese President Xi Jinping noted that the Middle East conflict does not serve the common interests of the international community
.
India’s Diplomatic Balancing Act
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, hosting the summit under India’s 2026 BRICS chair, emphasized the need for secure sea lanes and the safety of seafarers. During a bilateral meeting with President Pezeshkian on September 11, Modi reiterated that all issues must be resolved through diplomacy and dialogue.
India has been particularly impacted by regional vessel attacks, which have killed at least 10 Indian nationals. Modi stated at the BRICS Business Forum that global trade can only progress if sea lanes are secure, supply routes remain open, and seafarers are safe
.
New Delhi continues to manage a complex diplomatic position, maintaining historical and cultural ties with Iran and strategic relations with Israel while preserving its relationship with Washington.