Abu dhabi: United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan firmly stated that the UAE "will not be blackmailed by terrorists" in a post on the US social media platform X. This declaration was made in response to criticism from former French Ambassador Gerard Araud regarding the UAE's growing security collaboration with the United States.

According to Anadolu Agency, Araud's criticism was aimed at UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash's comments on Iran's aggression and the UAE's enhanced security measures. Gargash highlighted on X that Iran's aggressive actions against the Arab Gulf states have significant geopolitical effects, making the Iranian threat a central concern for Gulf security strategies. He emphasized the need for Gulf security to be independent from traditional Arab security frameworks.

Gargash accused Iran of launching missiles, drones, and using "aggressive rhetoric," which he said have led to the strengthening of national capabilities, Gulf collective security, and a closer security partnership with Washington.

In his post, Araud questioned the UAE's increasing reliance on the US, suggesting that it might compromise the nation's autonomy and potentially involve it in broader conflicts. Araud has consistently expressed skepticism about US-led military initiatives and recently criticized Washington's unclear objectives in the Middle East.

The region's hostilities have intensified following US and Israeli military actions against Iran on February 28. In retaliation, Iran has launched multiple drone and missile attacks targeting Israel and Gulf nations with US military bases.