Iranian Deputy FM Says UAE Must Be Held Accountable for Role in US Attacks

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi stated on Friday that the United Arab Emirates must be held accountable for its role in US military aggression against Iran. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Gharibabadi noted that the US Department of Commerce had issued a document easing export control regulations and upgrading the UAE’s export status in recognition of its support for the military aggression against Iran. He described the move as Washington’s official admission and a disgraceful document for Abu Dhabi, carrying “direct international responsibility and legal consequences.”

Earlier, the US Department of Commerce announced it would upgrade the UAE’s status under US export rules, removing it from two restricted country groups. This change makes the UAE eligible for license-free exports of controlled military items, certain satellites and spacecraft, and dual-use goods used in oil and gas production, desalination, and civil nuclear power.

Recent reports have revealed that the UAE played a far more active role in the US–Israeli war of aggression against Iran than previously known, carrying out dozens of airstrikes on Iranian territory from the opening days of the war. According to Mehr News Agency, Gharibabadi’s statement underscores the legal and international implications of the UAE’s involvement.