Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, senior Emirati diplomat Anwar Gargash has strongly defended the United Arab Emirates’ right to self-defence following accusations from Iran, describing Tehran’s approach as a “confused policy” that has lost its strategic direction.
In a series of statements shared on social media late Saturday, Gargash responded directly to remarks made by Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s foreign minister, who had accused the UAE of aggression toward Tehran. Rejecting the claim, Gargash argued that Iran’s position reflected a misreading of the broader regional situation.
“After 1,909 brutal Iranian attacks on the UAE, Mr. Abbas Araghchi accuses the UAE of aggression against Iran — reflecting a confused policy that has misread the situation, lost its compass, and lacked wisdom,” Gargash wrote.
He emphasised that the UAE’s actions were rooted in legitimate self-defence, while maintaining that the country remains committed to restraint and diplomatic solutions despite the escalating crisis.
“The UAE has the right to self-defense in the face of this terrorist aggression imposed upon it, yet it continues to prioritise reason and logic, maintaining restraint and seeking an exit for Iran and the region,” he said.
Diplomatic Efforts and Mediation
Gargash also highlighted what he described as the UAE’s continued diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation in the region. According to the Emirati diplomat, the UAE had worked intensively to mediate between United States and Iran in an attempt to avert the current conflict.
“In his justification, Araghchi has condemned his own country, entrenched its isolation, and exposed its aggression, all while knowing that the UAE exerted sincere efforts until the very last moment to mediate between Washington and Tehran to avert this war,” Gargash stated.
The remarks come as tensions remain high across the region after more than two weeks of escalating conflict involving Iran and its adversaries, including the United States and Israel.
Criticism of Iran’s Regional Strategy
In additional posts earlier on Saturday, Gargash sharply criticised Iran’s military and political strategy during the crisis. He argued that Tehran’s targeting of Arab Gulf states reflects an inability to confront American and Israeli military actions directly.
“The Iranian strategy, which reflects its inability to confront American and Israeli strikes by targeting Arab Gulf states, reveals a military impotence, a moral bankruptcy, and a political isolation,” he wrote.
Gargash added that attempts to shape the narrative through media messaging would not obscure the broader geopolitical realities.
“Misleading media statements will not cover up this reality. A return to sound judgment begins with halting the targeting of neighbors and activating their mediation efforts,” he said.
UAE’s Message of Resilience
Despite the rising tensions, Gargash emphasised the UAE’s resilience and stability, suggesting that the country remains steadfast in the face of threats.
“And in the UAE, we prove every day that our steadfastness is stronger than the aggressor’s hatred,” he wrote.
His comments reflect the UAE leadership’s broader stance of balancing firm security responses with diplomatic engagement, particularly during periods of regional instability.
Warning Against Misinformation
In addition to addressing military and political tensions, Gargash also warned about the spread of misinformation during times of conflict. In a post earlier in the week, he highlighted the dangers of rumours and disinformation campaigns that often accompany wartime conditions.
“Throughout history, wars have been linked to rumors and attempts at disruption, making caution against them a national responsibility,” he wrote.
He called on both the media and society to remain vigilant against false narratives that could inflame tensions or undermine national stability.
“The UAE stands today in a firm and steadfast position in confronting the Iranian aggression, and alongside this resilience, our media and societal responsibility emerges in countering the enemy’s rumors and preventing their dissemination,” Gargash said.
Ongoing Regional Uncertainty
As the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel moves into its third week, diplomatic tensions remain high across the Middle East. While military developments continue to unfold, statements from senior regional figures such as Gargash underline the importance of both security preparedness and diplomatic dialogue in navigating the crisis.
For the UAE, the message remains clear: the country will defend its sovereignty while continuing to advocate for stability, dialogue and a pathway toward de-escalation in an increasingly volatile region.
