Why is Iran increasingly targeting the UAE in its war messaging?

"Iranian authorities have increasingly singled out the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in their war messaging, and have warned of stronger strikes against the country if the United States and Israel resume their attacks. Our label of neighbours' with the Emirates has for now been lifted, and the label of hostile base' has been set for the country, Ali Khezrian, a member of the Iranian parliament's national security commission, told state television earlier this week."

"The Arab country was also directly referenced in statements issued by the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters of the Iranian armed forces this month, after Iran and the US traded fire over the Strait of Hormuz, despite a ceasefire announced in April. The joint command, led by generals of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), directly addressed Emirati leaders a week ago, and said they must not turn their country into the den of Americans and Zionists and their military forces and equipment to betray the world of Islam and Muslims."

"It said the UAE's deepening military, political and intelligence ties with the US and Israel were contributing to regional insecurity, and warned of a crushing and regret-inducing response to any more attacks against Iran's southern islands and ports. The IRGC has also declared that the UAE's critical port of Fujairah sits on an area of the Strait of Hormuz over which Iran exerts maritime control, therefore subjecting any ship travelling to or from the port to be in Iran's jurisdiction."

"The port was struck earlier this month, but Iran denied responsibility. The UAE, for its part, has repeatedly condemned Iranian attacks and said it reserves the right to respond, including through military means. It has also terminated visas for Iranians living there for years, and closed down Iranian businesses, trade routes, currency exchange networks, a"

Iranian authorities have increasingly targeted the United Arab Emirates in war messaging, warning of stronger strikes if the United States and Israel resume attacks. Iranian officials have labeled the UAE as a hostile base, citing deepening UAE military, political, and intelligence ties with the US and Israel as drivers of regional insecurity. Iranian armed forces leadership has directly addressed Emirati leaders, urging them not to allow the country to become a base for Americans and Zionists. The IRGC claims Fujairah lies in an area of the Strait of Hormuz under Iranian maritime control, placing ships to and from the port under Iranian jurisdiction. The UAE has condemned Iranian attacks, reserved the right to respond militarily, terminated visas for long-term Iranian residents, and closed Iranian businesses and trade and currency networks.

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