'Absurd and irresponsible': UAE diplomat slams Iran's justifications for attacks
[Editor's Note: Follow Khaleej Times live blog amid US-Israel-Iran war for the latest regional developments.]Senior UAE official Dr. Anwar Gargash has condemned recent statements by Iranian officials threatening Arab Gulf states, describing them as a "dangerous approach" that violates international law and threatens the foundations of regional stability.In a strongly worded statement posted on social media platform X, the Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President took aim at what he called "absurd and irresponsible claims" by Iranian figures, including parliamentarian Hamid Rasaee, who have sought to justify military targeting of civilian and economic facilities in neighbouring countries."These statements constitute a clear violation of the United Nations Charter, particularly the prohibition of the threat or use of force, and represent an irresponsible escalation that amounts to international crimes, placing the region before grave risks," Gargash said.Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.He added that the continuation of "escalatory and inciting rhetoric" aimed at harming civilian populations is unacceptable, calling for an immediate cessation of Iranian aggression and adherence to international law.Gargash's remarks come as the US-Israel-Iran war entered its 20th day, with the UAE facing attacks since the conflict began on February 28. According to officials, UAE air defence systems have intercepted nearly 300 ballistic missiles and around 1,600 drones launched from Iran. The attacks have claimed six civilian lives and injured approximately 141 others.The UAE has consistently maintained that it has not allowed its territory, territorial waters, or airspace to be used for attacks on Iran, insisting the country remains outside the conflict even as its cities and infrastructure have been targeted. Previous warningsThis is not the first time Gargash has addressed Iranian aggression. In a previous post on X, he described Iran's strategy of targeting Gulf states instead of confronting US and Israeli strikes as reflecting "military incapacity, moral bankruptcy and political isolation".Before the conflict escalated, Gargash had warned at the UAE-Kuwait Media Forum in January that "this region cannot bear another conflict," emphasising that regardless of relations with Iran, "it remains a neighbouring country". He revealed that the UAE had made sincere efforts until the last moment to mediate between Washington and Tehran in an attempt to avoid war.Gargash's latest statement aligns with growing regional consensus. Foreign ministers from GCC countries, Arab states, and other nations met in Riyadh on Wednesday, condemning Iranian attacks on residential areas and civilian infrastructure, and affirming their right to self-defence. They called on Iran to immediately cease attacks and respect international law.The UAE official stressed that a return to reason must begin with stopping attacks on neighbouring countries and activating mediation efforts. "In the UAE, we prove every day that our resilience is stronger than the aggressor's hatred," he wrote on his social media earlier this week.'Your war is not with neighbours': UAE diplomat calls on Iran to act responsiblyUAE official rebukes minister's claim of ‘aggression’ against Iran
[Editor's Note: Follow Khaleej Times live blog amid US-Israel-Iran war for the latest regional developments.]
Senior UAE official Dr. Anwar Gargash has condemned recent statements by Iranian officials threatening Arab Gulf states, describing them as a "dangerous approach" that violates international law and threatens the foundations of regional stability.
In a strongly worded statement posted on social media platform X, the Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President took aim at what he called "absurd and irresponsible claims" by Iranian figures, including parliamentarian Hamid Rasaee, who have sought to justify military targeting of civilian and economic facilities in neighbouring countries.
"These statements constitute a clear violation of the United Nations Charter, particularly the prohibition of the threat or use of force, and represent an irresponsible escalation that amounts to international crimes, placing the region before grave risks," Gargash said.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
He added that the continuation of "escalatory and inciting rhetoric" aimed at harming civilian populations is unacceptable, calling for an immediate cessation of Iranian aggression and adherence to international law.
Gargash's remarks come as the US-Israel-Iran war entered its 20th day, with the UAE facing attacks since the conflict began on February 28. According to officials, UAE air defence systems have intercepted nearly 300 ballistic missiles and around 1,600 drones launched from Iran. The attacks have claimed six civilian lives and injured approximately 141 others.
The UAE has consistently maintained that it has not allowed its territory, territorial waters, or airspace to be used for attacks on Iran, insisting the country remains outside the conflict even as its cities and infrastructure have been targeted.
Previous warnings
This is not the first time Gargash has addressed Iranian aggression. In a previous post on X, he described Iran's strategy of targeting Gulf states instead of confronting US and Israeli strikes as reflecting "military incapacity, moral bankruptcy and political isolation".
Before the conflict escalated, Gargash had warned at the UAE-Kuwait Media Forum in January that "this region cannot bear another conflict," emphasising that regardless of relations with Iran, "it remains a neighbouring country". He revealed that the UAE had made sincere efforts until the last moment to mediate between Washington and Tehran in an attempt to avoid war.
Gargash's latest statement aligns with growing regional consensus. Foreign ministers from GCC countries, Arab states, and other nations met in Riyadh on Wednesday, condemning Iranian attacks on residential areas and civilian infrastructure, and affirming their right to self-defence. They called on Iran to immediately cease attacks and respect international law.
The UAE official stressed that a return to reason must begin with stopping attacks on neighbouring countries and activating mediation efforts. "In the UAE, we prove every day that our resilience is stronger than the aggressor's hatred," he wrote on his social media earlier this week.
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