Iran Accuses Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait of Complicity in US Attacks
Published on Reflecto News | World News | Diplomacy & Geopolitics
Iran has formally accused five Gulf Arab states — Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait — of complicity in US military attacks against the Islamic Republic, escalating a war of words that threatens to further destabilize the region as a fragile ceasefire hangs in the balance.
In letters addressed to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the Security Council, Iran’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Amir-Saeid Iravani, charged that the United States has continued to use the “territory and airspace” of these nations to “plan, prepare, equip, and execute unlawful military attacks” against Iran .
‘Direct Involvement’ of the UAE
The accusations were not uniform across the five nations. In its letter concerning the United Arab Emirates, Tehran went a step further, accusing Abu Dhabi of “direct involvement in the aggression.”
According to the complaint, a Mirage fighter jet of the UAE Air Force, an Akinci drone, and an F-16 fighter violated Iran’s airspace, striking targets in the Strait of Hormuz and on the islands of Qeshm, Abu Musa, and Greater and Lesser Tunbs .
The accusations come as the UAE has emerged as one of the most hawkish voices in the Gulf regarding Iran. The country was hit by more than 2,300 missiles and drones from Iran — more than even Israel, a direct belligerent in the war . The attacks on its civilian and energy infrastructure have hardened Abu Dhabi’s stance, with reports indicating it has lobbied Washington for a ground invasion of Iran .
A Campaign of Legal Documentation
Iran’s move to formalize these complaints at the UN is a deliberate strategy. By documenting the alleged violations in official Security Council letters, Tehran is attempting to establish a legal foundation for any future retaliatory strikes against assets in the Gulf, justifying them under international law as acts of self-defense against co-belligerents .
In addition to the political accusations, Iran has demanded “full reparation” from these states, including compensation for all material damage caused to the Islamic Republic during the war . Tehran claims that the “conduct of those states in allowing their territories to be used by the aggressors… qualifies as an act of aggression” .
Regional Rejection and Defense
The Gulf states have strongly rejected these accusations. In January, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement saying the country would not allow its airspace, territory, or territorial waters to be used for hostile military actions against Iran, emphasizing its commitment to neutrality and regional stability .
Other nations in the region have taken similar positions, but all have faced near-daily Iranian drone and missile attacks that have damaged vital infrastructure and caused deaths and injuries among citizens and foreign residents .
The accusations follow a period of significant diplomatic engagement between the Gulf states and Iran. Saudi Arabia and the UAE had restored diplomatic relations with Tehran in 2023 and 2022, respectively, after several years of rupture . This hedging policy, which was intended to reduce the threat from Tehran, has now been severely tested by the war.
Broader Context of the Accusations
Tehran’s claims come amid rising tensions over access to airspace and basing rights for US-led coalition aircraft. Iranian officials have previously warned that any country serving as a platform for US hostility will face direct consequences .
Iran’s UN ambassador has stressed that the Islamic Republic reserves the right to take “all necessary and proportionate measures, including the inherent right of self-defense, to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity” .
Impact on Fragile Ceasefire
The accusations come as a fragile two-week ceasefire brokered by Pakistan remains in effect, though diplomatic efforts to secure a second round of talks have stalled. Iran has refused to send a delegation to Islamabad for further negotiations until the US lifts its naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz .
The formal accusations at the UN raise the stakes for the Gulf states. While they have so far avoided direct military retaliation against Iran, preferring to rely on the US security umbrella, Tehran’s legal and diplomatic offensive seeks to isolate them and justify future strikes.
The UN Security Council previously adopted a Bahrain-sponsored resolution condemning Iran’s attacks on its neighbors. The resolution, which had a record 136 co-sponsors, demanded the immediate cessation of all attacks by Iran against Gulf states . Iran has rejected that resolution as “manifestly unjust” and “legally untenable” .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which Gulf states did Iran accuse of complicity?
Iran accused Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait of allowing the US to use their territory and airspace for attacks on Iran .
2. Why is the UAE singled out for “direct involvement”?
Iran alleged that UAE military aircraft—including a Mirage fighter jet, an Akinci drone, and an F-16—violated Iranian airspace to strike targets in the Strait of Hormuz and on disputed islands .
3. What evidence did Iran present?
The accusations were detailed in letters to the UN Secretary-General and the Security Council. Iran stated the allegations were based on “continuing monitoring and assessments conducted by the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran” .
4. Have the Gulf states responded to the accusations?
The Gulf states have previously denied such allegations. The UAE stated it would not allow its territory to be used for hostile actions against Iran and emphasized its commitment to neutrality .
5. What is Iran demanding from these countries?
Iran has demanded “full reparation” and compensation for all material damage caused to the country, claiming the Gulf states’ actions constitute an “act of aggression” .
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