Middle East Policy has been one of the world’s most cited publications on the region since its inception in 1982, and our Breaking Analysis series makes high-quality, diverse analysis available to a broader audience.
Policy Briefs Program
June 27, 2023
On Thursday, June 22, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian concluded his four-day diplomatic tour, which included visits to Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates. According to Amirabdollahian, these engagements have enhanced Iranian relations with the Gulf, particularly in terms of economic and commercial cooperation. Regional sources analyze the impact of the diplomatic tour:
Israel National News identified the series of meetings as an effort from Gulf countries to “ease tensions with Iran. This process began when Saudi Arabia and Iran agreed, in a China-brokered deal [this March], to reopen their embassies and missions and implement security and economic cooperation deals signed more than 20 years ago.”
The National News reported on Amirabdollahian’s visit to Doha, citing that “he discussed bilateral relations with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim, who hailed the strong relations between the two countries and called for the comprehensive development of ties, particularly in the economic sphere.”
Similarly, Oman’s Foreign Ministry described several avenues of partnership between the “two friendly countries.” Amirabdollahian and Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi “reviewed ways to activate and enhance cooperation in culture, trade, economic and investment affairs, energy projects, transportation and ports with a view to supporting economic diversification and serving the interests of the two countries and their peoples.”
Regarding Kuwait, Iran’s Tasnim News Agency noted that “Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said the country faces no limits in the development of its relations with Kuwait in the areas of common interest.” Amirabdollahian expressed a desire to form “a regional assembly featuring the countries that border the Persian Gulf to the north and south,” and he noted that “Kuwait could play an important role in shaping up such a body.”
Amirabdollahian completed his tour in the UAE, where he met with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. According to Asharq Al-Awsat, the two parties “exchanged views on a number of regional and international issues, and they discussed the importance of building on positive developments to benefit the people of the region and enhance regional stability and prosperity.” During the engagement, Emirati Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan advocated for “an international approach to multilateral action based on cooperation and partnership to meet the aspirations of peoples for development, progress and prosperity.”
Press TV highlighted the Iranian Foreign Minister’s perception of the tour: “Negotiation with the high-ranking officials and my counterparts in these countries were highly positive and constructive and was promising for all countries in both the north and south of the strategic region of the Persian Gulf. The talks also heralded a ‘better, safer and more prosperous future’ for the people among whom the bonds of friendship, compassion and kinship are so deep and strong.”
However, the objectives of this tour may exceed the establishment of friendly relations. Kuwait Times details how this diplomatic tour may be a part of Iran’s plan to present itself “as one of the pillars of the ‘new world order.’” Diako Hosseini, a Tehran-based foreign policy analyst, believes Iran “is turning to countries that are not considered in the western bloc… to show that the West’s influence on Iran and its economy is not major.”
In addition to direct engagement with these four states, MTV explained Oman’s ongoing mediation of indirect talks between Iran and the United States. Topics being discussed include “nuclear issues, US sanctions and a possible prisoner swap.” Iran has also recently “met with diplomats from three European countries in Abu Dhabi to discuss a number of issues including the country’s nuclear programme.”
Middle East Policy has been one of the world’s most cited publications on the region since its inception in 1982, and our Breaking Analysis series makes high-quality, diverse analysis available to a broader audience.
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Policy Briefs Program
June 27, 2023
On Thursday, June 22, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian concluded his four-day diplomatic tour, which included visits to Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates. According to Amirabdollahian, these engagements have enhanced Iranian relations with the Gulf, particularly in terms of economic and commercial cooperation. Regional sources analyze the impact of the diplomatic tour:
Israel National News identified the series of meetings as an effort from Gulf countries to “ease tensions with Iran. This process began when Saudi Arabia and Iran agreed, in a China-brokered deal [this March], to reopen their embassies and missions and implement security and economic cooperation deals signed more than 20 years ago.”
The National News reported on Amirabdollahian’s visit to Doha, citing that “he discussed bilateral relations with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim, who hailed the strong relations between the two countries and called for the comprehensive development of ties, particularly in the economic sphere.”
Similarly, Oman’s Foreign Ministry described several avenues of partnership between the “two friendly countries.” Amirabdollahian and Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi “reviewed ways to activate and enhance cooperation in culture, trade, economic and investment affairs, energy projects, transportation and ports with a view to supporting economic diversification and serving the interests of the two countries and their peoples.”
Regarding Kuwait, Iran’s Tasnim News Agency noted that “Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said the country faces no limits in the development of its relations with Kuwait in the areas of common interest.” Amirabdollahian expressed a desire to form “a regional assembly featuring the countries that border the Persian Gulf to the north and south,” and he noted that “Kuwait could play an important role in shaping up such a body.”
Amirabdollahian completed his tour in the UAE, where he met with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. According to Asharq Al-Awsat, the two parties “exchanged views on a number of regional and international issues, and they discussed the importance of building on positive developments to benefit the people of the region and enhance regional stability and prosperity.” During the engagement, Emirati Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan advocated for “an international approach to multilateral action based on cooperation and partnership to meet the aspirations of peoples for development, progress and prosperity.”
Press TV highlighted the Iranian Foreign Minister’s perception of the tour: “Negotiation with the high-ranking officials and my counterparts in these countries were highly positive and constructive and was promising for all countries in both the north and south of the strategic region of the Persian Gulf. The talks also heralded a ‘better, safer and more prosperous future’ for the people among whom the bonds of friendship, compassion and kinship are so deep and strong.”
However, the objectives of this tour may exceed the establishment of friendly relations. Kuwait Times details how this diplomatic tour may be a part of Iran’s plan to present itself “as one of the pillars of the ‘new world order.’” Diako Hosseini, a Tehran-based foreign policy analyst, believes Iran “is turning to countries that are not considered in the western bloc… to show that the West’s influence on Iran and its economy is not major.”
In addition to direct engagement with these four states, MTV explained Oman’s ongoing mediation of indirect talks between Iran and the United States. Topics being discussed include “nuclear issues, US sanctions and a possible prisoner swap.” Iran has also recently “met with diplomats from three European countries in Abu Dhabi to discuss a number of issues including the country’s nuclear programme.”
(Image: AFP)