Iran’s Media Rhetoric Based on Outdated Propaganda, Says Gargash

The diplomatic landscape between the United Arab Emirates and Iran took a new turn yesterday as Anwar Gargash, UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, criticized Iranian media’s approach to regional relations, describing it as reliant on antiquated propaganda techniques.

Speaking at a regional security forum, Gargash pointed to what he called a “concerning pattern” in how Iranian state media portrays Gulf nations, particularly the UAE. “What we’re witnessing is not constructive dialogue but rather a deliberate campaign of misinformation that employs Cold War-era propaganda tactics,” Gargash stated.

The minister’s comments come amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region, where Iran and its Arab neighbors continue to navigate a complex web of security concerns, economic interests, and historical grievances. The UAE has emerged as a key player in this geopolitical equation, balancing its security alliance with the United States while maintaining economic channels with Iran.

“Our position has always been clear,” Gargash emphasized. “We seek regional stability and peaceful coexistence, but this requires honest dialogue based on mutual respect, not rhetoric designed to inflame tensions.”

Iranian media outlets have recently intensified coverage of UAE policies, particularly regarding its normalization of relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords and its role in regional conflicts. According to Gulf security analysts, this media campaign appears strategically timed to coincide with diplomatic initiatives aimed at reducing regional tensions.

Dr. Abdulkhaleq Abdullah, a prominent UAE political scientist, explained to reporters that “Iran’s approach reflects its broader strategy of information warfare. As diplomatic channels evolve, Tehran’s media apparatus continues to rely on narratives that portray Gulf states as merely Western proxies rather than sovereign actors with legitimate security interests.”

The UAE has gradually refined its approach to Iran in recent years, pursuing a dual track of diplomatic engagement while maintaining a firm stance on security issues. Trade between the two countries has remained significant despite international sanctions against Iran, with estimates suggesting bilateral exchange worth approximately $12 billion annually before the pandemic’s impact.

Economic ties have persisted despite profound disagreements over several critical issues, including Iran’s nuclear program, its support for various non-state actors across the Middle East, and the ongoing dispute over three islands in the Persian Gulf claimed by both countries.

Regional observers note that the media rhetoric highlighted by Gargash reflects Iran’s concern about shifting regional dynamics, particularly the growing economic and security cooperation among Gulf states and their expanding relations with Israel.

“Iran finds itself increasingly isolated as regional cooperation frameworks develop without its inclusion,” noted Jane Kinninmont, a Middle East analyst at the European Leadership Network. “The media narrative serves both domestic purposes within Iran and attempts to drive wedges between Gulf states and their international partners.”

The UAE’s diplomatic corps has been instructed to engage constructively with Iranian counterparts while clearly articulating concerns about media mischaracterizations. Emirati officials emphasize that sustainable regional security requires moving beyond provocative rhetoric toward practical cooperation on shared challenges.

“We remain committed to de-escalation,” Gargash concluded in his remarks. “But genuine progress requires all parties to abandon outdated propaganda approaches in favor of realistic assessments of our shared regional future.”

The UAE’s response reflects its broader foreign policy recalibration, which has included measured outreach to regional powers like Turkey and Qatar following periods of tension. This pragmatic approach has characterized Abu Dhabi’s international posture as it navigates an increasingly complex regional landscape.

As the Gulf region confronts economic challenges and security threats requiring multilateral solutions, the information environment remains a contested domain where narratives about regional intentions continue to shape diplomatic possibilities. Gargash’s intervention suggests that media rhetoric may increasingly become a focal point in regional dialogue alongside traditional diplomatic and security concerns.