UAE, Iran discuss bilateral ties, Yemen conflict

By Betul Yilmaz

ISTANBUL (AA) – The top diplomats of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Iran discussed on Monday bilateral relations between the two countries and the latest regional developments, including the current conflict in Yemen.

The UAE Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan received a phone call from his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, during which they discussed bilateral ties and regional developments.

A statement on Araghchi’s official Telegram channel said the two ministers expressed satisfaction over growing relations between Tehran and Abu Dhabi and discussed issues of mutual interest.

The Iranian minister called on regional countries to increase efforts to maintain unity and the territorial integrity of Yemen, considering “a Yemeni-Yemeni dialogue” the key to resolving conflicts.

Bin Zayed, for his part, emphasized the need for regional efforts to preserve stability and peace in Yemen and the region.

Tension has escalated in Yemen after the Southern Transitional Council (STC) took control of the eastern provinces of Hadramaut and Al-Mahra early this month after clashes with government forces.

The STC repeatedly claims that successive governments have politically and economically marginalized southern regions and calls for their separation from the north—claims rejected by the Yemeni authorities, as they insist on preserving the country’s territorial unity.

Iran is a main backer of the Houthi group, which controls most of northern Yemen.