Tehran says UAE’s alignment with Tel Aviv a ‘foolish gamble’ that could destabilise Gulf security.
Iran has issued a stern warning to the United Arab Emirates over its expanding military and political cooperation with Israel, describing the partnership as a threat to regional stability and a source of insecurity for Gulf states.
The remarks by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi come amid heightened tensions following recent US-Israeli military actions against Iran and reports of closer security ties between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv.
‘Collusion with Israel unforgivable’:
Araghchi accused the UAE of acting as an “active partner” in aggression against Iran and warned that those colluding with Israel “will be held to account.”
“Enmity with the great people of Iran is a foolish gamble. Collusion with Israel in doing so: unforgivable,” he stated, adding that the recent conflict had proven that neither Israel nor the United States could provide genuine security to their Gulf partners.
Iranian officials claim the UAE allowed the use of its territory, airspace and bases to support operations against Iran, allegations firmly denied by Abu Dhabi.
UAE Denies Netanyahu Visit Reports:
The warning follows reports-later denied by the UAE-that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a secret wartime visit to the country. Israeli sources described the alleged meeting as evidence of deepening strategic ties, while Emirati authorities called such claims “baseless.”
Despite the Abraham Accords normalisation in 2020, the UAE has faced criticism from parts of the Arab world for maintaining and even strengthening relations with Israel during the ongoing regional conflicts.
Gulf Divisions Deepen Over Iran-Israel Security Alignments:
Analysts note that the UAE has moved closer to Israel in recent months, reportedly acquiring advanced Israeli defence systems, including elements of the Iron Dome, to bolster its protection against potential Iranian retaliation. This shift has reportedly strained relations with other Gulf states, particularly Saudi Arabia, which has taken a more cautious approach.
Iran has repeatedly argued that reliance on Israel and the US has turned into a liability rather than an asset for Gulf monarchies.
The exchange highlights deep fractures within the Gulf Cooperation Council and the broader Arab world over how to manage relations with both Iran and Israel.
Tehran has called on Gulf states to prioritise regional solidarity and avoid actions that could drag them into wider confrontation. The UAE, for its part, has maintained that its foreign policy decisions are sovereign and aimed at ensuring its own security and economic interests.