Saudis and UAE begin quiet talks with Tehran in epic Gulf somersault

The UAE and Saudi Arabia have quietly embarked on talks with Tehran, after waiting in vain for two months for US forces to punish Iran for attacking their oil facilities. DEBKAfile’s sources report that Gulf states, led by the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, have concluded that the Trump administration’s goals are not consistent with their own. An official in Abu Dhabi commented this week: “If this [negotiations with Iran] is what Washington is after, we have no interest in participating in his maritime security coalition plan for the Gulf, since its deterrent power will be extremely limited.”

The US-led coalition force has indeed been slow to take off because it is either spurned or ignored by most of the governments invited to join.
The UAE crown prince Sheikh Muhammed bin Ziyad (MbZ) was the first to break away for an independent initiative. DEBKAfile’s intelligence sources report that a UAE delegation arrived in Tehran on July 30 to meet Iranian leaders first time in six years of animosity. They discussed the security of navigation in the Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz and the gateway to the Red Sea through the Straits of Abu Mandeb. According to our sources, Abu Dhabi marked the rapprochement by withdrawing its military forces from Yemen and handing over the islands in the mouth of Mandeb and a section of the Saudi western shore to a Yemeni militia, some of whose members were once associated with the pro-Iranian Houthi insurgents.
These developments encouraged Tehran, our exclusive sources report, to turn secretly to Saudi Crown Prince Muhammed Bin Salman and propose positive talks like those underway with the UAE. There are first signs that MbS is seriously considering the offer.

This flip flop by Washington’s two senior allies in the Gulf reduces the Trump Administration’s levers against Tehran to sanctions. Iran has meanwhile managed to break out of the international isolation imposed by the US.

This turn of events bears heavily on Israel’s drive against Iran and the personal standing of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu at a time that he is leading his Likud party in a campaign for re-election in September.

The Netanyahu-Trump strategic partnership and its ties with the Gulf Arab lineup against Tehran are critical elements for showcasing in his campaign. The turnabout in the Gulf, when it sees the light of day, may put the prime minister on the spot. He will have to explain why Israel has come out as the only nation in the region willing to engage Iran militarily and how come he has lost the active backing of Washington, Riyadh or Abu Dhabi. His most likely option will be to talk up the economic and tech aspects of the ties he has developed with Gulf nations as the strongest element of the alliance.

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55 thoughts on “Saudis and UAE begin quiet talks with Tehran in epic Gulf somersault

  • Aug 2, 2019 @ 14:36 at 14:36
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    It’s very clear that Trump will not take military action, only show of force.He is a business man only selling arms and sanctions thats whats count for him.Only when American lives are lost he will / must act.

    • Aug 2, 2019 @ 15:26 at 15:26
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      I believe Secretary of State Pompeo said as much when he declared Iran will pay dearly if any American lives are put in jeopardy by Iran. The days of US citizens being taken hostage for political ends are over.

      • Aug 3, 2019 @ 5:31 at 5:31
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        Don’t worry, these are “quiet talks”, only mimics and showing fingers.
        Then, they go tickling each other, and who laughs first has loses an oil tanker.

        • Aug 3, 2019 @ 6:12 at 6:12
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          You mean mimes.

    • Aug 2, 2019 @ 15:53 at 15:53
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      No he does not , and same goes to Bibi ; Israel is ME country , and it needs to have peace with everybody . Iran is a natural partner in peace , and the country that never were broken . Actually it was a super power at least twice historically . Peace for all and out with outside interests.

    • Aug 2, 2019 @ 16:51 at 16:51
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      Mideast Nation that Unites with Israel Innovations will Flourish Globally Together. History of King Cyrus Persia, Spain, Poland Record it. National Interests Innovations are moving at a Fierce, Fast, & Furious Geometric Rate that even Smaller Nations can Protect Themselves Against Giants with its Own Samson Non-Nuke Threat Options! Cybersecurity, Surveillance, & Detentions are the Brave New Weapons that Provide Protection for Self Existence as well as Dominance with Friends Verses Enemies. Israel Future Is Bright!

    • Aug 3, 2019 @ 5:06 at 5:06
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      Bone spur Trump is the worst negotiator on the planet having gone bankrupt over 6 times. The Chinese told him to go pound sand this week and North Korea are producing nukes at a furious pace.

      War would be bad for his election campaign and since his skin is all that matters, there will be no conflict in the ME.

      • Aug 3, 2019 @ 23:30 at 23:30
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        Anti-Trump Democrats are war-mongering now? That was a quick turnaround.

    • Aug 8, 2019 @ 0:12 at 0:12
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      You are a liar on all counts.

    • Aug 8, 2019 @ 4:03 at 4:03
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      The Saudis and other Arab states are perfectly capable of protecting and defending their own rights without unilateral action by the USA. The bottom line is that they want the USA to bear the cost in blood and treasure to protect them like we have been doing for years in NATO. While these same countries vote in the UN against USA and Israel’s interests consistently. I fought during Desert Storm while Kuwait and the Saudis wrote checks and paid for a large part of operations and sat back while American blood was shed and while we got not one drop of free oil out of it, contrary to what the left wing Islamo-Nazis were claiming was the reason for going to war in the first place.

  • Aug 2, 2019 @ 15:09 at 15:09
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    Even when American lives are lost he won’t act. He will say something like, it’s only one guy. Believe me.

    • Aug 3, 2019 @ 14:36 at 14:36
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      We will see, if Iran actually crosses that line… Until now they play around the edges while being freely targeted in Iraq and Syria

      If an American is killed the response will be popcorn worthy

      • Aug 5, 2019 @ 2:25 at 2:25
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        He couldn’t care less about any other American. It’s all about himself.

  • Aug 2, 2019 @ 15:11 at 15:11
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    Nothing New on Iran’s Economic & Military Standoff. The Regime Won’t Negotiate Nor will America be Goaded into Attacking Iran, but Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif is now under Sanctions and does not Care, So Be It! America Economics Advances Iran’s At Stand Still & Arabs Open Up Talks!

  • Aug 2, 2019 @ 15:48 at 15:48
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    First of all as Lord Cromer correctly observed -“You ca’t buy Arab, you can only rent him”. If Arabs can cut a sweet deal with mullahs in Tehran they do it, and leave Israel high and dry. That’s why I never have understood this imbecilic hopes Israeli political establishment have about “detente” with Gulf Arabs due to iranian threat.The second, what isolationists in the uSA don’t understand, that status of the Great Power, not to say Super Power, is base in the fact that it not only demands the say in the establishing the World Order, but carries responsibility for maintaining it, ditto plays the role of the World Cop. The very moment it shows unwillingness to do it,reneges on this responsibilities others start to arrange things by themselves, and at some point stop to put attention to your wishes and desires, and suddenly you find out that you are no more the Super Power

    • Aug 2, 2019 @ 16:25 at 16:25
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      Zvi… Israel has Converted Enemies into Friends as seen in Egypt & Jordan both led Wars 1948-67 & Egypt 1973. So that, is Israeli Progress. New Innovations are the Global Samson-Solomon Solutions with Arab Neighbors as well. America Remains the Sole Super Power Military, Economics & Energy. Replacing OPEC Hold On Prices & Will Continue to Diminish Reliance Relationships on Arabia. China, India, & Europe need Mideast Not America! Global Change Has Become A New Reality!

    • Aug 3, 2019 @ 23:41 at 23:41
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      The detente between Israel & the Arab states is driven primarily by an alignment against the Globalists, not Iran. The “Arab spring” nearly overthrew the old-guard Arab regimes, and they know who engineered it. The threat is now on-hold, but still imminent. Trump & Netanyahu are anti-Globalist allies of the Arab regimes, and the detente will continue because all parties need each other at the moment, irregardless of Iran.

  • Aug 2, 2019 @ 16:28 at 16:28
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    The zionist losing arab allies ?
    better peace with iran as be endless miled by jews and american
    iran is the king of the east

    • Aug 2, 2019 @ 16:53 at 16:53
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      Authoritarian Nations, Regimes, & Proxy Terrorism Relying on Fear instead of Freedom can’t keep up with a Pace of Innovations. Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Switzerland & Israel Innovations bring Wealth, Power, & Protection with America. North Korea, Iran, Cuba, Venezuela, & Proxies are Doomed & Left Behind until they Change for Brighter Global Future. Acquiring Nukes with Kooks in Leadership makes them More Impotent in the Future Thwarting Threats Regrets! Vigilance of Freedom Prevails & Smart Beats Dumb!

    • Aug 2, 2019 @ 18:43 at 18:43
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      So Abbas reads DEBKAfile’s?????. Good for DEBKA.

      • Aug 2, 2019 @ 18:50 at 18:50
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        WHat makes you think that?

  • Aug 2, 2019 @ 16:30 at 16:30
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    Once again Trump is proven to be the incompetent unthinking incompetent President Patriotic Americans figured out a long time ago. He starts something those who think he is god cheer how wonderful he is and give him credit for finishing it which he never does.

    • Aug 2, 2019 @ 17:41 at 17:41
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      Andy… Correction, the Sunnis Arabs have Blinked again with Shiia Persians Over 2 Ships, Not Trump. America will Stand with Israel Power to Thrive & Survive with Innovation Detection. Trump has Changed the Global Paradigm to Working Together No Longer the World Patsy of Protection Against Bad Regimes! While, China’s Islamic Detention Camps are Proof that Mideast Oil & South China Water Won’t Mix, anymore, than Russians & Ukrainians History? America No Longer Needs Arabia! The Days of Sunni-Shiia Playing the Straits of Hormuz Game To Raise Oil Prices on America are Over! Let them Talk it Out and Block Each Other or Acquire Nukes to Blow Themselves Up over a Caliphate Blood feud Dispute from 632 CE. Judaism Culture Values are Inherent Within American Enlightenment Freedom System. The World will Adopt them Together!

  • Aug 2, 2019 @ 16:35 at 16:35
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    Finally, the Gulf States are taking ownership…U.S.A. is now energy independent and doesn’t need Saudi, UAE or worry about the Straights of Hormuz any more.

    • Aug 2, 2019 @ 16:45 at 16:45
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      yes
      but it will be a problem
      if those rich countries order less American goods and (garbage) weapon systems

  • Aug 2, 2019 @ 16:37 at 16:37
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    Arab Emirate will open its banking system zo iran, good measure against US sanctions

    Long Live State of the Palestine

    • Aug 2, 2019 @ 18:42 at 18:42
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      It won’t live long as a blog below explains.

    • Aug 2, 2019 @ 20:31 at 20:31
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      Abbas, Good just make sure it goes into Palestinians People Pocket not Leaders Billionaires like Arafat Died?

  • Aug 2, 2019 @ 17:58 at 17:58
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    the key to ending the turmoil, confusion, and frustration is total life orchestration in the fear of YHWH. It is sad that Israel has not yet resumed the lead it had briefly during the times of the patriarchs, moses and yahshua, several judges, and a few of the kings of old. “They will see that you are called by the name of Yahweh, and they will fear you”. (Deut 28:10)

    • Aug 2, 2019 @ 18:44 at 18:44
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      Thanks for using the Holy Bible.

  • Aug 2, 2019 @ 18:35 at 18:35
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    Former Prime Minister of Ukraine Yuriy Yekhanurov warned Kiev about the risk of “playing out” because of a weak economy.”We will finish the game”

    Former Prime Minister of Ukraine Yuriy Yekhanurov warned Kiev

    Former Prime Minister of Ukraine Yuriy Yekhanurov warned Kiev about the risk of “playing out” because of a weak economy. According to him, it is too early for the authorities to play “like an adult”. He also lamented the plight of the country. Ukraine is on the list of the poorest countries in Eastern Europe, Kiev is forced to carry out unpopular reforms to obtain loans from the International Monetary Fund.

    Former Prime Minister of Ukraine Yuriy Yekhanurov, who held his post in 2005-2006, said that the Kiev authorities could “play out” trying to do impossible things for a weak economy.

  • Aug 2, 2019 @ 18:39 at 18:39
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    This is only a temporary situation because it is clear that Persia will join ROSH and others like Libya and invade Israel. Then there will be super earthquakes, huge hailstones, and volcanoes that the world has never seen before and it will take the Israelis >6 months to bury the dead that their Messiah has destroyed (Ezekiel 38-39). Then peace will come to the ME for the Jews from the River of Egypt to the Euphrates River. When the Messiah rules in Jerusalem there will be peace and righteousness in the whole world.

  • Aug 2, 2019 @ 19:20 at 19:20
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    Damocle’s Sword has fallen and severed the last thread of Netanyahu’s now terminal political survival – the severing on his last chance for a war on Iran, even if the US was pushed into WWIII to do it will now live in infamy as the World War given by Netanyahu/Neocon that no one came to.

    • Aug 2, 2019 @ 19:23 at 19:23
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      The only democracy in the Middle East is 1P1V1S Palestine and not only that, but is currently the only democracy in the Middle East that can serve as a model first for neighboring Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Egypt, and of course the B Teams from Saudi and UAE

      • Aug 3, 2019 @ 23:47 at 23:47
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        1. Netanyahu’s victory doctrine is non-violent economic takedown, not war.
        2. Take your meds

  • Aug 2, 2019 @ 19:33 at 19:33
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    Talks will go nowhere. On Sept. 5th, Iran will Fully restart nuclear program, to 20% enrichment level. Trump has repeatedly warned he will NOT allow Iran to reach the capability for a nuclear weapon. War lies ahead.

  • Aug 2, 2019 @ 20:35 at 20:35
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    “Answered to Russia”: The Pentagon is testing a new rocket. The Pentagon is preparing to test the rocket, which should challenge Russia in Europe. media reports

    “Answered to Russia”: The Pentagon is testing a new rocket

    The Pentagon is preparing to test the rocket, which should challenge Russia in Europe. According to media reports, the new weapon will be the US response to the alleged “violations” of Moscow INF. Washington has left the treaty and expects to test a rocket in the near future, which could be the beginning of a new arms race.

  • Aug 2, 2019 @ 21:36 at 21:36
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    Similar to the now decayed NATO there will be the all-powerful MATO – Muslim Atomic Treaty Organization.
    These talks are the first step towards the demise of the doomed American enemy.

    • Aug 3, 2019 @ 4:43 at 4:43
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      The Danger are not the Nations, but Terror Rogues within them that will bring Atomic Ashes Upon them.

    • Aug 3, 2019 @ 15:14 at 15:14
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      Renamed: Muslim Animals Terrorist Organization

  • Aug 2, 2019 @ 22:29 at 22:29
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    Never trust any islambeast , they aren’t loyal to the west, never will.

  • Aug 2, 2019 @ 23:03 at 23:03
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    The US no longer needs Saudi and Gulf oil. The Muslims stick together. The Sunnis hate the Shia but they both hate the west and Christians and Jews even more. You can never make an agreement or alliance with a Muslim country without having it broken when it is no longer convenient or to the advantage of Islam. the entire Islamic world is in an existential war with the west, whether the leftists in those places know it or not.

  • Aug 3, 2019 @ 2:38 at 2:38
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    If the Saudis make peace with the iranians, then they will not need the Israelis anymore. In G-d I trust.

  • Aug 3, 2019 @ 4:41 at 4:41
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    In reality, the Sunnis Arabs Coming For Talks with Iran will be a Success for a While, But Appeasement to this Bully Regime will Not Triumph. At the same time, President Trump seems Content to let the Arab’s do as they please but has No Interests in Talking with Iran and so be it. Israel & America will stand Together!

  • Aug 3, 2019 @ 9:17 at 9:17
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    Take US military out of UAE, dismantle the base, and watch UAE sleeping pills imports skyrocket.

  • Aug 3, 2019 @ 12:14 at 12:14
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    “out as the on nation in the region”

  • Aug 3, 2019 @ 13:29 at 13:29
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    If this is true and it progresses then great. Some wont like it though…

  • Aug 3, 2019 @ 17:40 at 17:40
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    President Trump will begin no sooner than Iran makes a serious terrorist act against the United States. Siran countries should export oil from this region. Very simple.

  • Aug 3, 2019 @ 23:27 at 23:27
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    Tyrants on the Run as Hundreds Arrested in Moscow as Protests Pile Pressure on Putin Burning Out? Hong Kong Protesters Toss Chinese Flag, Clash with Police Shops Shut, Traffic Blocked, Lifetime Xi Faces Crisis of Confidence, Iran Shiia Regime & Proxies on Deck. Venezuela Blockade & New Dawn of Democracy!

  • Aug 4, 2019 @ 8:59 at 8:59
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    Operation Sentinel Emerged against Iranian Aggression as 30 Nations met at Central Command Safeguard Shipping Lanes & given Guarantee of USA Oil Supplies by going with “80-90%” of the Plan to Avoid a Military Solution while let Iran Suffer under more Sanctions!

  • Aug 4, 2019 @ 19:45 at 19:45
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    …Another all-low “record” of hate-filled, brainless scum posting here !
    Debka- please take the trouble looking into these, or reasonable, sane few will turn away from your site…

    • Aug 4, 2019 @ 22:29 at 22:29
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      Let them Rant, Rave in Rage revealing they are Mad & Angry about Israel Thriving, We Can Combat Words with Better Words, Facts, & Reason!

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