Iran, UAE clash at BRICS foreign ministers' meeting

The Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reports on a significant diplomatic clash at the BRICS foreign ministers' meeting in New Delhi, where Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, directly accused the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of complicity in military actions against Iran. This accusation stems from the recent escalation of conflict following US-Israeli attacks and Iranian retaliatory strikes, which have strained relations between the two Gulf nations.

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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.

Araghchi's statements, as reported by Iranian state media, highlighted the UAE's alleged direct involvement and its failure to condemn the aggression against Iran. He further suggested that the UAE should reconsider its policies, emphasizing the need for peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding. The minister also referenced a disputed meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, which Abu Dhabi has denied.

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We must live side by side in peace, and this requires peaceful relations and complete understanding between the two countries.

This confrontation underscores the deep divisions and mistrust within the region. While Western media might focus on the geopolitical implications for the BRICS bloc, from Iran's perspective, this is a matter of national security and sovereignty. The accusations against the UAE are framed as a defense against foreign-backed aggression, reflecting a broader narrative of resistance against perceived external interference and collusion with adversaries. The Iranian stance is that nations colluding with Israel to destabilize the region will face accountability.

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The UAE is an active partner in this aggression, and there is no doubt about it.

The dispute has also raised questions about the potential for a joint communique from the BRICS meeting, with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi noting "problems and communications" due to the UAE's presence. This highlights how regional tensions can spill over into international forums, complicating diplomatic efforts and potentially hindering cooperation among emerging economies.

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I must say that the UAE was directly involved in the act of aggression against my country. When this aggression began, they even refused to condemn it.