The story: Iranian media and pundits are divided in their reactions to the Emirati foreign minister’s visit to Syria. Reformists are concerned that Arab states may be maneuvering to reduce Tehran’s role in Damascus. Meanwhile, hardliners have a positive view of the Emirati chief diplomat’s visit, describing it as a victory for the ‘Axis of Resistance’, which includes Iran, Iraqi Shiite groups, Lebanese Hezbollah and the Syrian government. This comes as the Iranian and Emirati foreign ministers have spoken in the aftermath of the latter’s landmark trip to Damascus.

The coverage: Iranian media have extensively covered the Nov. 9 meeting between Emirati Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan (AbZ) and Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad. While hardliners are jubilant...