Relations between the neighboring countries of Iran and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are historic, however the diplomatic relationship undergoes major shifts.

[7] In late July 2019, an Emirati delegation of coast guard commanders have met with their Iranian counterparts in Tehran for the first time in six years, in order to improve maritime co-operation in the Strait of Hormuz.

[11][12] In 2022, Iran-backed Houthis fired multiple missiles and drones at Abu Dhabi targeting oil tankers and an under-construction airport infrastructure in response to territorial losses to Emirati trained Giants Brigade in Yemen.

The Iranian government condemned the deal as a "dangerous" stab in the back of Palestinians and Muslims, and called it a "shameful" act of "strategic stupidity" by the UAE.

[15] In response, the UAE's Foreign Ministry summoned Iran's chargé d'affaires on 16 August and criticized Rouhani's speech as "unacceptable and inflammatory" which could impact the security scenario of the Gulf.

[17] The conservative newspaper Kayhan, whose editor-in-chief is appointed by the Supreme Leader of Iran, warned that the agreement had turned the UAE into a "legitimate, easy target".