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UAE diplomat clarifies Israeli minister did not call for Gulf nations to fund war on Iran
Dr Anwar Gargash reiterated the UAE’s stance, calling the need to address regional issues with wisdom, rationality, and diplomacy
- PUBLISHED: Mon 23 Jun 2025, 1:08 PM UPDATED: Mon 23 Jun 2025, 2:23 PM
Editor's Note: Follow our live blog for real-time updates on the latest developments in the Israel-Iran conflict.]
A top UAE diplomat has retracted his sharp criticism of Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, following clarification that controversial comments attributed to the minister were inaccurately reported.
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The clarification comes amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, which intensified after the US struck three nuclear sites in Iran on Sunday.
Dr Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, had initially denounced Smotrich for reportedly suggesting that Gulf nations, along with Germany, France, and the UK, should help fund Israel's military campaign against Iran.
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"Israeli Finance Minister Smotrich's brazenness reached the point of calling for Gulf (and German, French, and British) funding for Israel's war on Iran," Gargash wrote on X. He described the alleged comments as "moral bankruptcy on the part of an extremist who does not understand the consequences of escalation."
However, Gargash later deleted the post, stating that after further verification the comments were inaccurately attributed.
He clarified: "I have received reliable confirmations, and reviewing the transcript of the interview reveals that what was attributed to the Israeli Finance Minister regarding his call for Gulf states to finance the war on Iran is false and did not come from him. Accordingly, I have deleted the previous tweet."
He added, "We reiterate the UAE's position calling for addressing regional issues with wisdom and reason, and through diplomatic channels."
On Sunday, Gulf countries expressed their concern and warned of major consequences after the US dropped bombs on Iranian nuclear sites amid the ongoing war between Israel and Iran.
The UAE stressed the need for immediate de-escalation to avoid serious repercussions and spare the region from being pulled into deeper levels of instability.
Gargash also expressed his confidence under the leadership of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who held several phone conversations with Gulf and world leaders aimed at de-escalation and restoring stability and security across the region.
However, he had also warned of consequences of this ongoing war: "The Israeli attack on Iran and the ongoing war mark a pivotal moment with far-reaching consequences for both nations and the region. Reason and foresight demand an immediate end to hostilities and return to political dialogue, as history and past wars in the region clearly teach us."
Cost of war
The Wall Street Journal reported that Israel’s conflict with Iran is costing the country hundreds of millions of dollars a day. The mounting costs add up to pressure on Israel to wrap up the war quickly.
The report stated: "The biggest single cost are the interceptors needed to blow up incoming Iranian missiles, which alone can amount to between tens of millions to $200 million a day, experts say. Ammunition and aircraft also add to the price tag of the war, as does the unprecedented damage to buildings. Some estimates so far say that rebuilding or repairing damage could cost Israel at least $400 million."
Ajanta Paul is a Senior Editor on the Digital team. A natural leader and newshound, she thrives in breaking news and high-pressure situations — and enjoys reporting on community issues that matter to UAE residents.