Financial Times: UAE reactivates diplomatic and economic channels with Iran

According to a Financial Times report relayed on Tuesday 28 July 2026, the United Arab Emirates has reactivated its diplomatic and economic channels with Tehran at a time when the ceasefire between the United States and Iran remains fragile. The steps cited include the resumption of Iranian flights and facilitating the return of about 20,000 Iranian temporary residents to the country.

According to the same report, Abu Dhabi has simultaneously deepened its military ties with the United States and Israel, meaning the shift is described as a rebalancing rather than a full move away from Washington. Vessel traffic between Iran and the UAE has also moved back towards pre war levels following the resumption of shipping in the Persian Gulf.

The UAE is one of Iran's most important trading partners and a key route for its imports and exports, and the state of that corridor bears directly on Iran's foreign trade and currency flows.