Iran's president called his dialogue with the crown prince of the United Arab Emirates constructive and said the two sides had agreed to leave the past behind and make a fresh start.

Iran and the UAE are neighbors across the Gulf with substantial trade, but differences remain over island sovereignty and regional security questions.

Relations have been restored in stages over recent years, with the exchange of ambassadors and the resumption of economic consultations cited as the main markers.

The remarks came amid continuing armed conflict in the Middle East. Gulf states have adjusted their diplomacy toward minimizing spillover from the fighting.

The UAE has served as a re-export hub in trade with Iran. Under sanctions, the operation of that channel has repeatedly been subject to adjustment.

Statements between leaders do not by themselves resolve outstanding issues. Matters on which both sides hold firm positions, such as sovereignty, require separate channels.

Stability along regional shipping lanes has direct consequences for Asian importers, given the volume of crude and liquefied natural gas passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

Korea's reliance on Middle Eastern crude is relatively high. Shifts among Gulf states feed into import prices through freight and insurance costs. (Source: press reports)