Iran President, UAE Crown Prince meet on BRICS sidelines, back joint statement urging restraint in West Asia war

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian met Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during the first day of the New Delhi summit, marking their highest-level interaction since the West Asia conflict began. The two leaders discussed regional and international affairs, de-escalation, stability, and efforts to foster regional peace and development, according to the Abu Dhabi Media Office.

The meeting occurred hours after Iran and the UAE endorsed a joint BRICS statement urging restraint in the West Asia war. The declaration stressed the need to avoid actions that could exacerbate the situation, protect civilians, and uphold the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states. The US and Israel initiated strikes on Iran on February 28, resulting in the deaths of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and prompting Tehran to retaliate against US and Israeli interests in the region.

Iran's recent attacks on the UAE, particularly the strike on the Al Minhad Air Base housing US forces, have further heightened tensions in the region. India's role in facilitating diplomatic conversations among the involved nations has been crucial, with a former Indian ambassador highlighting the potential for constructive dialogue among countries with divergent interests.

The BRICS summit, currently underway in New Delhi, includes Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.