Iran Condemns UAE for Historic Agreement with Israel

Iran has vehemently condemned U.S. President Donald Trump's plan for a peaceful resolution to the Middle Eastern conflict, under which full diplomatic relations have been established between the United Arab Emirates and Israel.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry has labeled the signing of this historic agreement, facilitated by the United States, as a "knife in the back of Muslims." The UAE, which has never fought against Israel and has been improving relations with the country in recent years, stated that the agreement will deter Israel's unilateral plans to annex parts of the occupied West Bank, territories which Palestinians consider to be the future capital of their independent state.

According to the Iranian Foreign Ministry, the normalization of relations between the two states is "dangerous and shameful." "This agreement is an unjustified knife blow by the UAE to the backs of the Palestinian people and all Muslims," the statement from the Iranian foreign policy department read.

Turkey has also condemned the agreement, arguing that the UAE does not have the authority to negotiate on behalf of the Palestinians regarding issues of vital importance for Palestine. Although Turkey maintains diplomatic relations with Israel, it acts in support of the Palestinians.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described the deal with the UAE as a "new era" for Israel, while a spokesperson for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas referred to it as a "betrayal." The source further details that the UAE has become the first Arab state in the Persian Gulf and the third country in the world (after Egypt and Jordan) to have full diplomatic relations with Israel.

As previously reported, Israel and the United Arab Emirates have agreed to normalize relations, which will result in Israel suspending its plans to annex large territories in the West Bank. Until now, Israel had not established diplomatic relations with any of the Arab countries in the Persian Gulf.