UAE minister raises concerns over Iran ahead of US talks, says 'trust is earned'

UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem Al Hashimy has cast doubt on Iran’s credibility ahead of renewed Iran–US talks expected in Islamabad this week, saying any agreement must deliver durable peace and not merely delay unresolved tensions.

Speaking to ABC News, Al Hashimy warned against short-term fixes in negotiations with Tehran. “There’s no point in kicking the can down the road when we’re just going to end up where we started, maybe even with a more emboldened regime that wants to continue to hurt its neighborhood,” she said.

She said Iran’s conduct over recent years had shaped regional perceptions, contrasting the Gulf state’s development model with Tehran’s policies. “We are a model of economic prosperity… We used our oil wealth to build an economic powerhouse. They used their wealth for nuclear programs that are nefarious, for missiles, drones, proxies,” she said.

Tensions have escalated since the outbreak of conflict on Feb. 28, with Iran accused of both military and economic retaliation, including disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz that have contributed to volatility in global energy markets.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly tied any potential agreement to guarantees over maritime security, warning of further escalation if demands are rejected. “We’re offering a very fair and reasonable DEAL… if they don’t, the United States is going to knock out every single Power Plant, and every single Bridge, in Iran. NO MORE MR. NICE GUY!” he said on social media.

Al Hashimy said she backed efforts to prevent the Strait of Hormuz from being used as a geopolitical pressure point, describing it as central to global economic stability. “Being able to weaponize the straits… is a really serious tool that the Iranians have taken forward, which is to hurt cities from Des Moines to Delhi in spiking up fuel prices and spiking up food prices,” she said. “They don’t have the right to do that.”

While supporting diplomatic engagement, she cautioned that trust in any potential agreement would have to be rebuilt over time. “Trust is earned,” she said. “We are not fools… they’re going to have to really step up in a significant way for us to be able to believe what they say again.”