UAE Dismantles Iran-Linked Terror Cell and Arrests 27

Middle East outlets describe the UAE arrests as part of a wider struggle between Gulf monarchies and Iran over influence and security in the region. UAE-based and Gulf-aligned media stress that Emirati security forces disrupted a serious threat tied to Iran, while Iranian and sympathetic outlets insist the accusations are politically driven and lack evidence. Many expect the dispute to feed into existing mistrust even as some Gulf states try to keep channels with Tehran open.

• •UAE security services dismantled a network they say was directed or supported from Iran to carry out attacks on Emirati and Gulf targets.
• •Emirati officials argue that the 27 arrests show the UAE is a target for covert operations linked to Iran’s regional activities.
• •Iran’s Foreign Ministry accuses the UAE of using terrorism charges as a pretext to detain people without presenting credible proof of Iranian involvement.
• •Iranian officials warn that such accusations damage recent efforts to ease tensions between Tehran and Gulf capitals, including Abu Dhabi.
• •Regional commentators expect the UAE to share intelligence on the case with other Gulf Cooperation Council members to justify its claims about Iranian links.