DOHA // Arabian Gulf states have cautiously welcomed Tehran’s overtures to the region, just over a week after it concluded an interim deal with Western countries on its nuclear programme.
The Iran foreign minister, Mohammed Javad Zarif, visited Kuwait, Oman and Qatar this week and repeatedly called for joint efforts to resolve issues and promote regional stability.
Both sides acknowledge that there are obstacles to improving ties. Gulf countries are seeking reassurances from Iran over its nuclear programme as well as its regional role, particularly in Syria, where Tehran backs the regime of Bashar Al Assad.
But Gulf officials also expressed optimism about the possibility of moving forward.
“All the region’s countries are keen to have constructive cooperation for the sake of the security and stability of this region,” Kuwait’s acting prime minister and foreign minister, Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al Hamad Al Sabah, said during Mr Zarif’s visit.
Meanwhile, Mr Zarif said on his Facebook page that he was open to visiting Saudi Arabia for talks, something that would be “beneficial for both countries, the region and the Muslim world”. He said he also hoped to travel to the UAE.
Iran’s overtures to the region follow a landmark agreement between Tehran and Western countries that would curb Iran’s nuclear enrichment in exchange for limited sanctions relief. Gulf states have welcomed the interim deal as an initial step to addressing concerns over the nature of Iran’s nuclear programme.
Tehran has indicated it will seek to use the deal as an opportunity to renew international ties, particularly in the region. And on each stop of Mr Zarif’s Gulf trip, he emphasised an aim to rebuild trust with his country’s neighbours.
Speaking in Kuwait on Sunday, he said he hoped to open a “new chapter” of relations with the Gulf. In an unannounced visit to Doha on Monday, Mr Zarif reiterated his intention to work for improved ties, Iranian media reported.
“Anything that can lessen the tensions with Iran is a good thing,” said Michael Stephens, a Doha-based analyst at the Royal United Services Institute.
Analysts say that despite the shift in tenor, Gulf states remain concerned about Iran’s role in the region. Tehran strongly backs the Syrian regime, as well as its ally, the Lebanese Shiite militia Hizbollah. The Gulf Cooperation Council has accused Tehran of meddling in Yemen, Bahrain and elsewhere.
“The main question is, does this [nuclear deal] encourage Iran to start interfering in the Gulf’s business,” said Mr Stephens.
Despite Mr Zarif’s assurances, for example, an Iranian official yesterday reiterated his country’s claim to three UAE islands. The chairman of the Iranian parliament’s national security and foreign policy commission, Alaeddin Boroujerdi, described the islands, which Tehran illegally occupies, as an “inseparable” part of Iran, the Fars news agency reported.
The civil war in Syria is another major point of disagreement. While Tehran has supported the government of Mr Assad, Gulf states led by Saudi Arabia have backed the opposition and denounced Hizbollah’s involvement on behalf of the regime.
Speaking to Qatari network Al Jazeera in Doha, Mr Zarif argued for a political solution in Syria and denied charges that it has backed sectarian elements in the country.
“We believe that we need, all of us, to cooperate with each other to in fact contain the spread of sectarian divide in the region.”
Gulf countries will be looking for evidence of Iran’s goodwill in coming weeks, to complement its rhetorical charm offensive, analysts said.
“Diplomatically, it’s the right thing to do to welcome the [nuclear] deal,” said Abdullah Al Manai, a columnist and political analyst for the Bahraini daily Al Akhbar Al Khaleej. “But looking at it from a strategic perspective, a deal with Iran … will cause everybody to recalculate their positions in the region and internationally.”
* With additional reporting from Agence France-Presse
Our legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
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Abu Dhabi GP schedule
Friday: First practice - 1pm; Second practice - 5pm
Saturday: Final practice - 2pm; Qualifying - 5pm
Sunday: Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (55 laps) - 5.10pm
Ms Yang's top tips for parents new to the UAE
- Join parent networks
- Look beyond school fees
- Keep an open mind
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Election pledges on migration
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
THE LOWDOWN
Photograph
Rating: 4/5
Produced by: Poetic License Motion Pictures; RSVP Movies
Director: Ritesh Batra
Cast: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Sanya Malhotra, Farrukh Jaffar, Deepak Chauhan, Vijay Raaz
Emergency
Director: Kangana Ranaut
Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry
Rating: 2/5
Correspondents
By Tim Murphy
(Grove Press)
The specs
Engine: 3-litre twin-turbo V6
Power: 400hp
Torque: 475Nm
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
Price: From Dh215,900
On sale: Now
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Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
ASHES SCHEDULE
First Test
November 23-27 (The Gabba, Brisbane)
Second Test
December 2-6 (Adelaide Oval, Adelaide)
Third Test
December 14-18 (Waca Ground, Perth)
Fourth Test
December 26-30 (Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne)
Fifth Test
January 4-8, 2018 (Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney)
At a glance
Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year
Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month
Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30
Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse
Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances
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A State of Passion
Directors: Carol Mansour and Muna Khalidi
Stars: Dr Ghassan Abu-Sittah
Rating: 4/5
The specs: 2018 Maserati Levante S
Price, base / as tested: Dh409,000 / Dh467,000
Engine: 3.0-litre V6
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 430hp @ 5,750rpm
Torque: 580Nm @ 4,500rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 10.9L / 100km
Punchy appearance
Roars of support buoyed Mr Johnson in an extremely confident and combative appearance
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Brief scoreline:
Tottenham 1
Son 78'
Manchester City 0
Essentials
The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Malaysia Airlines all fly direct from the UAE to Kuala Lumpur and on to Penang from about Dh2,300 return, including taxes.
Where to stay
In Kuala Lumpur, Element is a recently opened, futuristic hotel high up in a Norman Foster-designed skyscraper. Rooms cost from Dh400 per night, including taxes. Hotel Stripes, also in KL, is a great value design hotel, with an infinity rooftop pool. Rooms cost from Dh310, including taxes.
In Penang, Ren i Tang is a boutique b&b in what was once an ancient Chinese Medicine Hall in the centre of Little India. Rooms cost from Dh220, including taxes.
23 Love Lane in Penang is a luxury boutique heritage hotel in a converted mansion, with private tropical gardens. Rooms cost from Dh400, including taxes.
In Langkawi, Temple Tree is a unique architectural villa hotel consisting of antique houses from all across Malaysia. Rooms cost from Dh350, including taxes.