Full Breakdown
Iran-UAE Dialogue at the BRICS Summit Draws a Dismissive Response from the United States
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Iran and the United Arab Emirates Meet on the Sidelines of the BRICS Summit
On September 12, 2026, the 18th BRICS Summit was held in New Delhi. During the summit, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met with UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The meeting was described by Iranian officials as a step toward normalising relations with Gulf states while maintaining opposition to the presence of U.S. military bases in the region.
Background & Context: Ongoing U.S.–Iran Conflict and Regional Frictions
The dialogue occurs against a backdrop of an active war between the United States (and its ally Israel) and Iran. congressional elections. Tehran’s leadership, meanwhile, has framed its grievances as directed at U.S. bases that they claim enable attacks on Iranian territory and personnel.
Official Statements & Responses
President Trump, speaking to reporters at the Irish Open golf championship, said he had “no objection” to Gulf nations holding talks with Iran, characterising the meetings as “up to them” and “fine.” He added that any Iranian settlement would have to meet his standards, emphasizing that the United States would not accept a “deal that’s no good.”
President Pezeshkian, in a separate statement, distinguished Tehran’s opposition to U.S. military installations from its relations with Gulf states.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I don’t care. That’s up to them. It’s fine.” — Donald Trump, US president
- “Iran will end right after - maybe before - but it'll end right after the midterms. ?Gasoline's going to drop like a rock,” — Donald Trump, US president
- “H.E. Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, held a meeting and talks with H.H. UAE crown prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit.” — India
- “If China wanted to come in and open a plant to build their cars here, I’d be okay with that,” — Donald Trump, US president
Impact and Implications
The Iran-UAE engagement could ease commercial and security concerns in the Gulf, potentially reducing the risk of direct confrontations that affect global oil markets. Trump’s suggestion that a post-midterm settlement would sharply lower gasoline prices underscores the economic stakes attached to the conflict’s resolution. However, his insistence on a U.S.-approved deal indicates that Washington may continue to exert diplomatic pressure on any rapprochement involving Iran.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Public sources provide limited detail on any concrete agreements reached between Iran and the UAE. While Pezeshkian’s remarks convey a positive diplomatic tone, no specific joint statements or actionable commitments have been disclosed. Additionally, the extent to which the United States will influence or respond to any emerging Iran-UAE framework remains unclear, given the president’s mixed signals of indifference and conditional approval.