UAE halts all trade and economic activity with Iran

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The United Arab Emirates has decided to halt all commercial activities and economic exchanges with Iran. The measure covers the flow of goods and services, investment activity and transactions between companies in the two countries. UAE authorities have moved to suspend existing agreements with Iranian parties and instructed that no new contracts be signed. Companies and joint ventures operating in the UAE with Iranian capital are to be reassessed under the new policy, while customs and port authorities have been told not to process cargo originating from Iran or belonging to Iranian firms on a temporary basis. The UAE has previously taken steps to limit trade ties with Iran, and the latest decision extends those restrictions. Iranian trade offices in the country are being closed and the status of their employees is under review. Officials said the move aligns with the UAE's foreign policy and regional security strategy.