Iran has delivered a chilling warning to the United Arab Emirates through the United Nations, threatening "defensive and offensive action" over allegations of hosting Israeli intelligence operations on its soil.
In a sharply worded letter to the UN Security Council, Iran's ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani accused the UAE of permitting Israel to establish espionage bases aimed at destabilising regional security and targeting Iranian interests.
Diplomatic Fury at the United Nations
The diplomatic communique, seen by The Independent, represents a significant escalation in tensions between the neighbouring Gulf states. Ambassador Iravani didn't mince words, stating Iran reserves the right to take "all necessary measures" against what it perceives as threats to its national security.
"The UAE must be held accountable for all the consequences of such irresponsible and destabilising policies," Iravani warned in the document dated 2 January.
Regional Power Struggle Intensifies
This confrontation emerges against the backdrop of the ongoing Gaza conflict and increasing hostilities between Iran and Israel. Tehran has repeatedly accused Israel of conducting covert operations against its nuclear programme and assassinating scientists and military officials.
The UAE, which normalised relations with Israel in 2020 through the Abraham Accords, finds itself caught in the crosshairs of this regional power struggle. Iranian officials claim the alleged intelligence facilities enable Israel to monitor Iranian activities and coordinate operations.
International Community on Alert
Security analysts are closely monitoring the situation, concerned that such rhetoric could lead to miscalculations or direct confrontations. The UN Security Council now faces mounting pressure to address these escalating tensions before they spill over into open conflict.
This development threatens to undermine the delicate diplomatic progress made in recent years between Gulf states and comes at a particularly volatile time for Middle Eastern relations.
