‘Misleading claims’: UAE official rebukes Iranian top minister, rejects aggression accusation amid Iran vs US-Israel war

A sharp diplomatic exchange has erupted between the United Arab Emirates and Iran after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the UAE of carrying out “aggression” against Tehran. The claim was swiftly rejected by senior Emirati officials, who described the accusation as misleading and insisted that the UAE’s actions have been defensive in nature amid a rapidly escalating regional crisis.

The controversy comes at a time when the Gulf region is already grappling with heightened instability following missile and drone attacks linked to the broader conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States.

Against this volatile backdrop, the UAE has sought to clarify its position while urging restraint and diplomacy.

The latest dispute began after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the UAE of participating in hostile actions against Iran. In response, Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, publicly rejected the claim, saying the allegation reflects a misunderstanding of the situation and ignores the reality of ongoing attacks on Gulf states.

Gargash argued that the UAE has been acting in self-defence rather than aggression. He noted that Iran’s accusations were particularly striking given the numerous missile and drone strikes that Gulf countries have faced during the ongoing conflict. According to Emirati officials, the country continues to emphasise restraint even while reserving the right to defend its territory and citizens.

The diplomatic clash cannot be separated from the broader geopolitical crisis currently unfolding in the Middle East. The situation escalated after a series of recent military confrontations involving Iran, Israel and the United States. These developments triggered retaliatory strikes across the region and pushed Gulf states into a heightened security posture.

The UAE has reported intercepting missiles and drones aimed at its territory, while several civilian infrastructure sites have been targeted during the conflict. The attacks have caused casualties and disrupted travel, energy infrastructure and business operations across the Gulf. These developments have turned the UAE into an unintended frontline state in a wider geopolitical confrontation.

In his response to Tehran’s accusations, Gargash emphasised that the UAE’s policies remain grounded in defensive measures rather than escalation. He said that the country retains the “right to defend itself” against attacks but continues to prioritise restraint and diplomatic solutions.

This position reflects the UAE’s long-standing strategy of balancing strong security responses with calls for regional de-escalation. Officials argue that defending infrastructure and intercepting incoming threats does not constitute aggression but rather a necessary response to protect civilians and national assets.

Iran, however, has maintained that Gulf states, including the UAE, have indirectly supported military actions against it by allowing Western allies to operate in the region. Tehran has also alleged that certain facilities in Gulf countries were used to launch strikes on Iranian targets, claims that Emirati officials have strongly denied.

The dispute reflects a broader information battle accompanying the military conflict, with both sides attempting to shape international perceptions of responsibility for the escalating violence.

Despite the heated rhetoric, the UAE has repeatedly urged all parties involved in the conflict to pursue diplomatic solutions. At international forums, Emirati representatives have called for an immediate reduction in hostilities and a return to negotiations. They warn that continued escalation could destabilise the entire Gulf region and threaten global energy markets.

The Gulf remains strategically crucial because it hosts some of the world’s most important oil and gas shipping routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz. Any disruption in the region could have significant consequences for the global economy.

The tensions between Iran and Gulf states have already produced ripple effects across several sectors. Airspace closures and security concerns have forced airlines to cancel or reroute flights across the Middle East. Fears of conflict near the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil supply passes, have triggered volatility in global oil prices.

Several Gulf countries have heightened defence measures after intercepting missile and drone attacks. These developments illustrate how quickly a regional dispute can affect global trade, travel and energy markets.

The UAE’s response highlights the delicate balancing act it faces in the current geopolitical environment. On one hand, the country maintains strong strategic partnerships with Western allies, including the United States. On the other, it has historically sought to maintain diplomatic channels with regional powers such as Iran.

This dual approach, combining security cooperation with diplomatic outreach, has been a cornerstone of Emirati foreign policy for years. By rejecting Iran’s accusations while simultaneously calling for de-escalation, the UAE appears to be continuing this strategy.

Another dimension of the conflict is the spread of misinformation online. Authorities in the UAE have warned against sharing unverified content related to the crisis, arguing that misleading narratives could fuel panic or undermine national security. In a recent crackdown, authorities arrested dozens of individuals accused of spreading fabricated footage or false claims about the conflict on social media.

Officials say maintaining accurate information is essential during times of crisis when rumours can spread rapidly. With tensions still high, analysts warn that diplomatic confrontations between Iran and Gulf states could intensify if the broader regional conflict continues. However, many experts believe that Gulf countries, including the UAE, will continue pushing for diplomatic solutions rather than direct military confrontation.

The UAE rejects accusations of aggression while insisting that any defensive actions are aimed solely at protecting its territory and citizens. The diplomatic dispute between the UAE and Iran underscores the fragile security environment in the Gulf today. While accusations and counter-accusations dominate headlines, many regional leaders continue to stress the importance of restraint, dialogue and international cooperation.