UAE Says Rebuilding Trust with Iran Will Take ‘Ages’ After War
Published on Reflecto News | World News | Diplomacy & Geopolitics
The United Arab Emirates has stated that rebuilding trust with Iran will take “ages” following the devastating six-week war that has shattered regional stability and inflicted massive economic damage across the Gulf. The candid assessment, delivered by a senior Emirati official, reflects the deep and lasting damage to relations between Tehran and its Arab neighbors, even as a fragile ceasefire holds .
“Trust with Iran was never high, but after this war, rebuilding it will take ages. They attacked our territory. They targeted our civilians. You cannot simply move past that.” — Senior UAE Official
‘They Attacked Our Territory’
The UAE was one of the primary targets of Iranian retaliation during the war. Following the US-Israeli strikes on Iran that began on February 28, Tehran launched waves of missiles and drones at Gulf states perceived as enabling the attack through basing rights and overflight access .
Iranian attacks on the UAE during the war:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Ballistic missiles | Dozens reportedly intercepted over UAE airspace |
| Drones | Multiple waves aimed at civilian and military infrastructure |
| Casualties | Civilian injuries reported, though precise figures remain classified |
| Infrastructure damage | Energy facilities and residential areas targeted |
The UAE has been one of the most hawkish voices in the Gulf regarding Iran. Reports throughout the war indicated that Abu Dhabi had lobbied Washington for a ground invasion of Iran, reflecting the depth of its animosity toward the Islamic Republic .
Trust Was ‘Never High’ to Begin With
The Emirati official’s acknowledgment that trust with Iran was “never high” is an understatement. Before the war, the UAE and Iran had only recently restored diplomatic relations, with the UAE re-establishing ties with Tehran in 2022 after a six-year rupture .
The pre-war relationship was transactional, not warm. The UAE viewed Iran as a strategic threat, particularly given Tehran’s support for Houthi rebels in Yemen who launched repeated attacks on Emirati territory. The war has dramatically worsened that dynamic.
‘You Cannot Simply Move Past That’
The official’s insistence that Gulf states cannot simply “move past” Iranian attacks reflects a hardening of position among the Arab Gulf monarchies. Even as the US seeks to broker a diplomatic off-ramp to the conflict, its Gulf allies are demanding that any final settlement include enforceable constraints on Iran’s missile program and its support for regional proxies .
Gulf state demands for any Iran deal:
| Demand | Details |
|---|---|
| Ballistic missile limits | Restrictions on range and quantity |
| Proxy cessation | End support for Houthis in Yemen |
| Verification regime | Robust monitoring of Iranian compliance |
| Compensation | Payment for damages during the war |
The Road Ahead: A ‘Long and Difficult’ Process
The Emirati assessment that trust-building will take “ages” suggests that full normalization between the Gulf states and Iran is not on the immediate horizon, even if a US-Iran nuclear deal is reached.
| Factor | Implication |
|---|---|
| Gulf skepticism | Deep distrust will persist for years |
| Proxy conflicts | Iran’s support for Houthis will remain a flashpoint |
| Nuclear negotiations | Gulf states will demand their interests be represented |
| US role | Washington must balance Tehran engagement with ally reassurance |
The war has fundamentally altered the strategic calculus of the Gulf monarchies. While they had begun to engage diplomatically with Tehran before the conflict, the experience of being direct targets of Iranian retaliation has reinforced the view that Iran is an existential threat .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is the UAE so distrustful of Iran?
The UAE was a direct target of Iranian missile and drone attacks during the war. Iran also supports Houthi rebels in Yemen who have previously attacked Emirati territory.
2. Had relations between the UAE and Iran been improving before the war?
Yes. The UAE and Iran restored diplomatic relations in 2022 after a six-year rupture. However, the relationship was transactional, not warm.
3. What does the UAE want from any future Iran deal?
The UAE is demanding enforceable restrictions on Iran’s ballistic missile program, an end to Iranian support for Houthi rebels in Yemen, robust verification mechanisms, and compensation for war damages.
4. Does the UAE support the US-Iran ceasefire?
The UAE has publicly supported de-escalation, but privately officials are deeply skeptical of Iranian intentions.
5. How long will it take to rebuild trust, according to the UAE?
A senior Emirati official stated it will take “ages” — implying years rather than months.
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