New Delhi: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has released billions of dollars in Iranian assets held in its banks and helped transfer gold and passenger aircraft to Iran as fighting between Tehran and Washington intensifies, according to several sources in Tehran familiar with the transfers.
The assets released include around 2 tonnes of gold valued at about $283 million, the sources said. Around 2 tonnes of gold, worth an estimated $283 million, were among the assets sent to Iran, according to the sources. The movement of the gold adds another element to the reported transfers.
Sources familiar with the development said the UAE is seeking to keep itself away from direct involvement in the fighting between Iran and the United States. The transfers are being described as part of Abu Dhabi’s efforts to persuade Iran not to target the UAE during hostilities between Iran and the United States. The latest transfers also involve Iranian funds frozen in Emirati banks.
The UAE government has allowed the sale of 15 second-hand passenger aircraft to Iranian airlines through Emirati companies. The reported financial transfers were accompanied by another step involving Iran’s aviation sector. The reported transfers offer a different picture of the UAE’s approach to Iran from some claims circulating on social media, where the Emirati government has been portrayed as taking a tougher position towards Tehran.
More planes expected to reach Iran
Sources in Iran said another 14 passenger aircraft are set to arrive in the country with the help of Emirati companies. Satellite imagery has also shown two Airbus A320-212 aircraft, identified as C9-ACE and C9-ACF, at George Enescu International Airport in Romania shortly before their transfer to Iran with assistance from the UAE government. The UAE-backed aircraft transfers are expected to continue.
