Iran summons UAE diplomat after Abu Dhabi adviser 'justifies' Ahvaz attack

Iran's foreign ministry said in a statement on Sunday that it had summoned the UAE's charge d'affaires to protest against "irresponsible" statements made by an adviser to the Abu Dhabi government.

"The charge d'affaires was warned that UAE would be held accountable for individuals affiliated with official Emirati agencies that show clear support for terrorist acts," the statement said.

"It is unacceptable for the UAE to show indifference to this," it added.

The move comes after Abdul Khaleq Abdulla justified the attack on Twitter, arguing that it was part of a plan to fight Iran on its own territory.

"An attack on a military target is not a terrorist act. Moving the battle to deep inside Iran is an option that has been publicly declared and will increase in the coming phase," Abdulla said.

The adviser to the Abu Dhabi government seemed to be referring to statements made by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, warning that Riyadh will take the fight to "inside Iran".

Officials say 29 people were killed in the attack by four gunmen on a military parade in Ahvaz, capital of Khuzestan province bordering Iraq.

Iran has blamed the attack on an Arab separatist movement and said it has received support from regional rival Saudi Arabia, a close ally of the UAE.

The UAE does not have an ambassador in Iran and its mission has been led by a charge d'affaires since the two countries severed diplomatic relations in 2016.