Iran official accuses UAE of role in West Asia conflict
Ghadir Nezamipour, Deputy Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, accused the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, of direct involvement in military aggression during a conflict in West Asia.
Allegations regarding attacks on civilian infrastructure
In his address at the 16th Meeting of Heads of Security Agencies and National Security Advisers of BRICS countries held in New Delhi from June 22 to June 23, 2026, Nezamipour stated that Iran's civilian infrastructure, schools, and hospitals were attacked using bases located on UAE territory.
Nezamipour said: "The entire world witnessed that the United States and the Zionist regime were the initiators of the aggression and the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz. Part of these attacks were launched from bases located on the territory of the United Arab Emirates." He added, "Nevertheless, instead of condemning these hostile actions, the UAE directly participated in the aggression and allowed its territory to be used as a platform for attacks against Iran's civilian infrastructure, schools, and hospitals."
During his remarks at the meeting, Nezamipour displayed an image depicting students from Minab whom Iranian officials described as killed on the first day of the alleged aggression against Iran by the United States.
Iranian Foreign Minister's additional claims
A separate report indicates that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi further alleged that Abu Dhabi provided airspace, intelligence, and logistical support to the United States and Israel during military operations targeting Iranian interests.
UAE response to accusations
Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, UAE Minister of State, rejected Iran's claims as baseless during BRICS discussions. He reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to national sovereignty and regional stability.
Diplomatic developments in New Delhi
Nezamipour expressed hope that the UAE will respect the principles of good neighbourliness and choose the path of peace, stability, and regional cooperation instead of engaging in propaganda and adventurism. He called for an end to what he termed "propaganda and adventurism" by the UAE.
Context on recent ceasefire negotiations
The accusations come after Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and US President Donald Trump signed a memorandum of understanding remotely. The document established a 60-day extension of a ceasefire to negotiate final terms of a deal, according to reports.
U.S. diplomatic presence in the region
On June 23, 2026, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in the UAE to discuss an Iran peace deal with Gulf Arab leaders.
Status of commercial shipping
Iranian reports indicate that ports in the United Arab Emirates have resumed receiving commercial vessels from Iran after weeks of disruptions related to the conflict.