In 2022, the United Arab Emirates and Iran restored full diplomatic relations, moving past the January 2016 crisis when Abu Dhabi downgraded ties with Tehran in solidarity with Saudi Arabia after Iranians attacked the Saudi Embassy in Iran following the kingdom's execution of a prominent Shiite cleric. UAE-Iranian relations appear quite stable today, with Abu Dhabi playing an important role in Tehran’s “neighbors first” foreign policy strategy, but underlying sources of tension in their bilateral affairs remain unresolved.

UAE and Iranian leaders have their own separate reasons for welcoming a detente. As neighbors, however, both realized that despite their differing perspectives on various security-related issues, it would be strategically sound to put their diplomatic energies into improving bilateral relations.

Seeking security

Deadly Houthi drone and missile attacks in January 2022 against the UAE, a Saudi ally in the war in Yemen, greatly influenced Emirati foreign policy. The UAE’s vulnerability to Ansar Allah — as the Houthis are formally known — drove Abu Dhabi to view increased dialogue with the Iranians as a necessary endeavor.