Iran has appointed Reza Ameri as its new ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after an eight-year gap since the previous ambassador left. This development reflects a warming in relations between Iran and the Gulf Arab states.
The UAE had reduced its diplomatic representation following Saudi Arabia’s severing of ties in 2016, which happened after Iranian protesters ransacked Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran in response to the execution of a Shiite cleric. Riyadh recently restored diplomatic relations with Tehran in a deal mediated by Beijing.
Despite the diplomatic chill, Iran and the UAE have maintained their close economic ties.
The appointment of Ameri as Iran’s new ambassador to the UAE signals a positive shift in bilateral relations that were strained in recent years. With the diplomatic representation being restored, the two countries can resume constructive dialogue on various issues of mutual interest, including regional security and economic cooperation.
Iran’s new President Ebrahim Raisi has been keen to improve Iran’s relations with its neighboring countries and the wider international community.
