Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai
Dubai, Jun 13: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reportedly paid billions of dollars to Iran as part of an agreement aimed at halting attacks on the Gulf nation, according to a Reuters report published on Friday.
Citing regional sources, the report said the UAE has already transferred around $3 billion to Iran under the arrangement. The total value of the agreement was estimated by some sources at up to $10 billion, while others claimed it could eventually reach $20 billion.
The reported development marks a significant shift in the UAE's stance towards Iran. During the recent conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, the UAE had adopted a hardline position and was viewed as one of the strongest regional supporters of continued pressure on Tehran.
According to the report, the UAE joined the US and Israel in carrying out strikes on Iranian targets during the conflict and also attempted to prevent Pakistan from mediating efforts to end the war.
The report further claimed that Saudi Arabia was forced to provide financial assistance to Pakistan after the UAE reportedly sought repayment of debt obligations in response to Islamabad hosting peace talks.
In recent weeks, however, diplomatic engagement between Abu Dhabi and Tehran appears to have increased. Last week, the UAE reportedly hosted officials from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) for discussions with Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE's National Security Adviser and Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi.
Bloomberg also reported that UAE diplomats held direct talks with senior Iranian officials as part of efforts to reduce tensions and prevent further attacks.
The Reuters report did not clarify whether the funds transferred to Iran originated from Iranian assets held in the UAE or from Emirati sources. Prior reports had suggested that Abu Dhabi had considered freezing Iranian-linked funds during the conflict, although no official confirmation was ever issued.
Analysts said the agreement could pave the way for renewed economic cooperation between the two countries. Iran and the UAE have maintained extensive trade ties for decades, with the UAE serving as one of Tehran's most important commercial and financial partners.
The report comes amid indications that Washington and Tehran are close to reaching a 60-day memorandum of understanding that would facilitate negotiations on the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear programme.
Meanwhile, Iran has not officially confirmed any financial agreement with the UAE, and neither government has publicly commented on the figures cited in the report.
The claims emerge at a time of heightened diplomatic activity in the region, as international efforts continue to stabilise the fragile ceasefire and prevent a renewed escalation of hostilities in West Asia.