UAE keeps diplomacy open, stresses deterrence in Iran talks

NEW DELHI, Sept 13: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash said on Sunday, describing the meeting as part of the UAE’s approach of combining deterrence with diplomacy.

Gargash said the meeting, held as part of Sheikh Khaled’s engagements with leaders participating in the summit, reflected the UAE’s view that deterrence and diplomacy must work together to achieve regional security.

“Neither can function properly without the other,” Gargash said. “Deterrence strengthens the credibility of diplomacy, while diplomacy succeeds when it begins from a position of parity and capability.”

He said the combination of the two approaches represents the best path toward achieving stable and sustainable security in the region.

Gargash also highlighted Pezeshkian’s positions and statements during the prolonged crisis, describing them as “balanced and rational.”

He said those positions “cannot be ignored at this critical stage,” indicating that the UAE considers diplomatic engagement with Tehran important amid the current regional tensions.

The meeting comes as the UAE seeks to maintain diplomatic channels while emphasizing the need for strength and preparedness as part of efforts to address regional security challenges.