Diplomatic efforts between Iran and the United Arab Emirates have produced mixed signals amid the broader 2026 regional conflict. In mid-September, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the sidelines of the BRICS summit, with both sides agreeing to “put the past behind” and pursue future cooperation, including economic ties. UAE officials noted that rebuilding trust would require years following prior Iranian missile and drone activity targeting Gulf infrastructure and shipping. August accusations of ballistic missiles directed at UAE territory prompted Abu Dhabi to suspend trade and financial transactions with Iran, though recent U.S. statements on constructive talks to ease tensions and reopen the Strait of Hormuz have coincided with market indications of reduced immediate risk. Upcoming diplomatic or military developments in the Gulf could still shift assessments of further qualifying strikes.