'Didn't Even Issue Condemnation': Iran's Aragchi Accuses UAE Of Direct Role In War

Last Updated:May 14, 2026, 17:40 IST

Araqchi’s comments followed a day after the UAE denied a claim by Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu that he had visited the Gulf nation during the Iran war.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi on Thursday accused the United Arab Emirates of having a direct role in military operations against Iran during the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting in New Delhi, escalating tensions between the two regional powers.

Speaking on the sidelines of the meeting, Araqchi said the UAE was involved in what he called as aggression against Iran and criticised Abu Dhabi for its response during the conflict.

“I didn’t name the UAE in my (BRICS) statement for the sake of unity. But the truth is that the UAE was directly involved in the aggression against my country. When the attacks started, they didn’t even issue a condemnation," Iranian state media quoted him as saying.

The remarks came after a response from the Emirati side, though Iranian state media did not specify what was said by the UAE representative at the meeting.

Tensions Flare At BRICS

Araqchi’s comments followed a day after the UAE denied a claim by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he had visited the Gulf nation during the Iran war. The Iranian foreign minister had earlier warned that “those colluding with Israel to sow division will be held to account".

He further argued that security alliances with the United States and Israel would not guarantee stability for the UAE, urging Abu Dhabi to reconsider its regional policy. “We must live side by side in peace, and this requires peaceful relations and complete understanding between the two countries," he added.

BRICS, originally founded by Brazil, Russia, India and China, now includes South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and the UAE. India currently holds the group’s chair for 2026.

The Iran war began with US and Israeli strikes on February 28, prompting Tehran to respond with missile and drone attacks on US bases and other targets in the Gulf region. Iran has since accused several regional actors of indirect involvement in the escalation.

A recent Wall Street Journal report had claimed the UAE carried out military operations against Iran in early April, though these allegations have not been independently verified. Saudi Arabia has also been accused by Western and Iranian officials of conducting unpublicised strikes, claims Riyadh has not publicly confirmed.

(With inputs from agencies)

News world 'Didn't Even Issue Condemnation': Iran's Aragchi Accuses UAE Of Direct Role In War

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