The United Arab Emirates has rejected accusations from Iran that a recent US strike on Kharg Island originated from Emirati territory, calling the claim “a part of a confused policy that has misdirected
its aim, lost its compass, and forsaken wisdom.”
Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, said in a post on X that the allegation made by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was baseless and misdirected.
“Following the brutal Iranian attack on the UAE in 1909, Mr. Abbas Araghchi emerges to accuse the UAE of aggression against Iran, as part of a confused policy that has misdirected its aim, lost its compass, and forsaken wisdom,” he said in a post on X.
بعد ١٩٠٩ هجوم إيراني غاشم على دولة الإمارات، يخرج السيد عباس عرقجي ليتهم الإمارات بالاعتداء على إيران، ضمن سياسة مرتبكة أخطأت العنوان وأضاعت البوصلة وغابت عنها الحكمة.
للإمارات حق الدفاع عن النفس في مواجهة هذا العدوان الإرهابي المفروض عليها، لكنها ما زالت تُغلّب العقل والمنطق…
— د. أنور قرقاش (@AnwarGargash) March 14, 2026
Gargash said the UAE has the right to defend itself against Iranian attacks but has chosen restraint while seeking to reduce tensions in the region.
“The UAE has the right to self-defense in the face of this terrorist aggression imposed upon it, yet it continues to prioritize reason and logic, maintaining restraint and seeking an exit for Iran and the region,” he added.
He further said that the accusations ignored the UAE’s efforts to mediate between Washington and Tehran before the conflict escalated.
“In his justification, Araghchi has condemned his own country, entrenched its isolation, and exposed its aggression, all while knowing that the UAE exerted sincere efforts until the very last moment to mediate between Washington and Tehran to avert this war,” Gargash added.
His reaction came after Iran claimed that the United States launched artillery strikes on Kharg Island from two locations in the UAE, including Ras Al Khaimah and an area near Dubai. Kharg Island handles about 90% of Iran’s oil exports and has been a key target in the ongoing conflict.
Araghchi told MS NOW that the US attacked Kharg Island and Abu Musa Island with low-range artillery from two locations in the UAE, Ras Al-Khaimah and a place “very close to Dubai,” calling that dangerous and saying Iran “will try to be careful not to attack any populated area” there.
