UAE , Iran senior security officials meet for first time since start of war

What Happened

Senior security officials from the UAE and Iran met in person for the first time since the beginning of the Iran war, Bloomberg reported on Thursday, citing knowledgeable sources. The UAE agreed to the meeting after concluding that the Iranian regime would not be dislodged, and was further motivated by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and slow US-Iran negotiations since the ceasefire. The UAE had previously delayed talks, according to a source, until it verified that any Iranian delegation had a direct channel to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, whose status had been uncertain amid speculation of injury or incapacitation during early attacks. Separately, a Wall Street Journal report detailed UAE involvement in Operation Roaring Lion, during which the UAE coordinated with the US and Israel to carry out dozens of airstrikes against Iranian targets, including Qeshm and Abu Musa islands, Bandar Abbas, and the Lavan Island oil refinery. Iran launched over 2,800 missiles and drones at the UAE during the conflict, more than at any other nation, including Israel. In the past 48 hours, Iran struck several Gulf states in retaliation for US strikes, launching 20 missiles into Jordanian airspace and multiple drones at Kuwait and Bahrain.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The meeting signals a potential thaw between the UAE and Iran amid a fractured Gulf landscape. The UAE’s participation in strikes on Iran and its frustration with Saudi and Qatari non-cooperation highlight shifting alliance dynamics. The reopening of a direct channel to Tehran, if Khamenei’s authority is validated, could influence future negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz and regional stability, especially as Iran continues retaliatory strikes across the Gulf.

Watch For

Future rounds of UAE-Iran talks, particularly any confirmation of Mojtaba Khamenei’s leadership status. Monitor Iranian missile/drone activity in the Gulf and Jordan, and whether US-led strikes continue or provoke further escalation. Watch for Saudi and Qatari responses to UAE’s bilateral engagement.