Iran Continues To Ignore The Voice Of Reason, Gulf News

The UAE has consistently and strongly been an advocate for peaceful relations with its neighbours and the world at large. And it is through this approach that the country has been able to resolve many issues and address various obstacles over the decades.

As such, the UAE has shown a willingness to use all possible peaceful methods to resolve Iran's occupation of its three islands. For 37 years, the UAE has repeatedly reiterated its absolute conviction that the matter could be put to rest through constructive dialogue.

Any means of violence and extremism - rhetorical or otherwise - has been shunned simply because the UAE understands very well that such measures are obsolete. Within the same framework, Iran should also adopt the voice of reason in its handling of the occupied islands.

The recent verbal escalation by Iran is unjustifiable and comes across as an action that only strains relations.

"This kind of escalation [of the war of words] does not serve the existing relations between the two countries. On these issues the Iranian side has its views, but that does not mean there are no other areas of mutual interest where we have cooperation within this framework," said Dr Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

Hence, Iran's accusations that the UAE is mistreating its nationals is baseless as the ground reality proves otherwise since this community has thrived in this country for years now. Not only have they enjoyed protection in the country but they have also benefited from the safety of living and working here.

Unlike some voices in Iran, the UAE is above looking at matters in their narrowest of perspectives and beyond adopting extremist stances - it is high time that Iran responds in a reciprocal manner.