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Iran Singles Out UAE as Hostile Base in Recent War Messaging
Iranian officials and military statements have labeled the United Arab Emirates a hostile base rather than a neighbor, citing its military ties to the United States and Israel. The Iranian armed forces warned of stronger responses if attacks resume. The UAE has condemned Iranian actions and taken measures against Iranian entities within its borders.
May 12, 3:37 PM·3m read1 source
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Iranian authorities have increasingly singled out the United Arab Emirates in their war messaging and warned of stronger strikes against the country if the United States and Israel resume attacks. “Our label of ‘neighbours’ with the Emirates has for now been lifted, and the label of ‘hostile base’ has been set for the country,” Ali Khezrian, a member of the Iranian parliament’s national security commission, told state television earlier this week.
The UAE was also directly referenced in statements issued by the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters of the Iranian armed forces this month. ” It said the UAE’s deepening military, political and intelligence ties with the U.S. and Israel were contributing to regional insecurity and warned of a response to any more attacks against Iran’s southern islands and ports.
The IRGC has declared that the UAE’s critical port of Fujairah sits on an area of the Strait of Hormuz over which Iran exerts maritime control.
Background to the Tensions The U.S. military has maintained a significant presence in the UAE for years, including at the al-Dhafra airbase outside Abu Dhabi. In 2020 the UAE signed the Abraham Accords to normalize relations with Israel. Since then, the two countries have expanded military and intelligence cooperation.
During the recent conflict Israel sent Iron Dome anti-missile batteries and personnel to the UAE. The UAE has said its foreign relations and international defence partnerships are a sovereign matter and that Iran has sought to justify its actions by claiming Arab territory and airspace are used to facilitate attacks on Iran.