Iran Update, August 3, 2023
Aug 3, 2023 - ISW Press![](https://understandingwar.org/sites/default/files/styles/square_thumbnail/public/NewIranUpdate--square-1300_167.jpg?itok=7uyI2Pfx)
Iran is training militants to use attack drones in eastern Syria, likely part of a campaign to expel US forces.
President Ebrahim Raisi invited Emirati President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on August 3 to visit Tehran as part of Iran’s continued effort to manage a stable and predictable relationship with the Gulf Arab states.
Iran and Syria are continuing negotiations over the establishment of a free trade zone. It is unclear whether these negotiations will lead to the establishment of a free trade zone between Iran and Syria in the near future, however.