UAE: Gulf states should take part in Iran treaty talks

Washington’s Gulf Arab allies should be included in proposed treaty negotiations with Iran over its ballistic missile programme and regional behaviour, Reuters reported a senior Emiriati official saying today.

Brian Hook, US special envoy for Iran, said yesterday the United States is seeking to negotiate a treaty with Iran to include Tehran’s ballistic missiles and its regional behaviour.

Iran has rejected American attempts to hold high-level talks since President Donald Trump tore up a nuclear deal between Tehran and six world powers earlier this year.

Anwar Gargash, United Arab Emirates minister of state for foreign affairs, described Hook’s comments as “important”.

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“It is essential that the Gulf Arab states be a party to the proposed negotiations. It is prudent for Tehran to avoid sanctions and to take these proposals seriously,” he tweeted.

The UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain swiftly backed Trump’s decision in May to withdraw from the nuclear accord and reimpose sanctions on Tehran.