Iranian FM wraps up Gulf tour with visit to UAE

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Iran’s foreign minister concludes a three-day tour of Gulf Arab neighbors with a visit to the United Arab Emirates where he holds talks with the country’s president.

Hossein Amir-Abdollahian’s visit to the UAE follows stops in Qatar, Kuwait and Oman — the latest in a flurry of diplomatic moves by Tehran as it seeks to reduce its isolation, improve its economy and project strength.

Today, he discussed “bilateral relations and ways to enhance cooperation” in a meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi, the official WAM news agency reports.

Amir-Abdollahian extended an invitation from Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi for Sheikh Mohammed to visit, Tehran’s foreign ministry says.

Gulf Arab countries are seeking to ease tensions with Iran, fueled in recent years by the conflicts in Yemen and Syria.

In a dramatic shift, China brokered an agreement in March between Iran and Saudi Arabia to restore ties after a years-long rupture.

Tehran’s nuclear program is also an issue of mutual concern, as Iran seeks to revive a landmark 2015 deal granting sanctions relief in return for curbs to prevent it from acquiring an atomic bomb — a target it has always denied seeking.

Iran said last week it had been engaged in indirect negotiations with the United States through Oman, with nuclear issues, US sanctions and a possible prisoner swap on the agenda.

The following day, Iran’s nuclear negotiator said he had met with diplomats from three European countries in Abu Dhabi to discuss a number of issues including the country’s nuclear program.