• Published 16:28 07.07.10
  • Latest update 16:28 07.07.10

U.A.E. denies backing use of force against Iran

Assistant minister says earlier comments by envoy appearing to back a military strike were taken out of context.

By The Associated Press

A senior UAE official says his country rejects the use of force against Iran over its nuclear program, despite reports that a top diplomat suggested a military strike is an option if sanctions fail.

The UAE's Assistant Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Tareq Al-Haidan says the Emirates flatly opposes military action and favors talks to end Iran's nuclear standoff with the West.

Iran nuclear plant in Bushehr, AP

Technicians measuring parts of Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant in this undated photo.

Photo by: AP

His comments were reported on Wednesday by the state news agency WAM.

They follow reports quoting UAE's ambassador to the United States, Youssef al-Otaiba, as saying that the regional upheavals from an attack are preferable to having Tehran develop nuclear weapons.

Al-Haidan says the ambassador's comments were taken out of context, but offered no other clarifications.

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