Iran, UAE clash at BRICS FMs’ meeting as Tehran accuses Abu Dhabi of role in attacks on its soil

Dubai, May 16: Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of direct involvement in military operations against Iran during a BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting in New Delhi on Thursday, according to Iranian state media.

The remarks came a day after the UAE denied Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s claim that he had visited the Gulf country during the ongoing Iran conflict. Araghchi had earlier warned that “those colluding with Israel to sow division will be held to account.”

Speaking at the BRICS meeting, Araghchi said he had refrained from naming the UAE in his official address “for the sake of unity,” but alleged that Abu Dhabi had failed to condemn attacks on Iran after hostilities began.

According to Iranian media reports, Araghchi argued that neither the presence of U.S. military bases nor ties with Israel could guarantee the UAE’s security, and urged the Gulf nation to reconsider its regional approach toward Tehran.

“We must live side-by-side in peace, and this requires peaceful relations and complete understanding between the two countries,” he said.

The Iran conflict escalated after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, followed by retaliatory missile and drone attacks by Tehran targeting U.S. bases and other locations in Gulf countries.

The Wall Street Journal reported earlier this week that the UAE had carried out military operations against Iran in early April. Reports citing Western and Iranian officials also claimed Saudi Arabia had launched a number of undisclosed strikes against Iran.

Iranian media have also raised concerns over divisions within the BRICS bloc, suggesting disagreements between Iran and the UAE could complicate efforts to issue a joint communique at the conclusion of the foreign ministers’ meeting. (Agencies)