Daijiworld Media Network – Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, Jun 27: UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed on Friday stressed the importance of protecting maritime corridors and ensuring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz during a phone conversation with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araqchi.

The discussion, reported by UAE state news agency WAM, marked a rare public contact between Abu Dhabi and Tehran following heightened tensions linked to the US-Israel conflict with Iran.

It was the first publicly announced conversation between the two foreign ministers since US and Israeli strikes on Iran, which were followed by Iranian attacks in parts of the Gulf region, including the United Arab Emirates, where the US maintains military facilities.

Sheikh Abdullah emphasised the need for full implementation of a US-Iran memorandum of understanding aimed at achieving an “immediate and comprehensive cessation of hostilities”, WAM reported.

He also highlighted the importance of respecting national sovereignty, following international law and maintaining uninterrupted maritime movement through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route.

The conversation indicated efforts to ease tensions between the UAE and Iran after the conflict affected regional stability. Iranian attacks during the period disrupted Dubai’s tourism sector, led some expatriates to leave and raised concerns over the UAE’s image as a regional business hub.

Sheikh Abdullah said diplomacy remained the best approach to resolving crises and expressed hope that ongoing efforts would bring lasting security and stability to the region.