Iran nuclear deal could turn 'new page' for Gulf: UAE

Abu Dhabi

The United Arab Emirates Tuesday welcomed the historic nuclear deal agreed by world powers and Iran, with an official saying it could turn a "new page" for the Gulf region.

"Iran could play a (significant) role in the region if it revises its policy and stops interfering in the internal affairs of countries like Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen," a UAE official said in the first reaction from the Gulf Arab monarchies to the Vienna accord.

"The new direction we hope to see accompany the historic nuclear deal would demonstrate a genuine desire for Iran to help extinguish fires devouring the region," the official said.

"This would move the region away from the discord of sectarianism, extremism and terrorism."

Reached on day 18 of marathon talks in Austria's capital, the accord is aimed at resolving a 13-year standoff over Iran's nuclear ambitions after repeated diplomatic failures and threats of military action. 

Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad Al-Sabah sent cables to Iranian spiritual leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Hassan Rouhani congratulating them on the "historic agreement".

He hoped that the deal "would contribute to strengthen peace and stability in the region and to direct all efforts for the development of the countries in the area".