Dubai police chief warns over Iran war

Tamim said any attack on Iran would negatively impact Gulf Arab states' relationship with the West.

Dubai’s police chief has warned that relations between Gulf Arab states and Western nations would suffer if a military strike is launched on Iran over its nuclear ambitions.

The region’s “leaders should tell American and the West that an attack would have negative consequences for our relations with you”, newswire AFP on Saturday quoted General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim as saying.

The chief also advocated that the Islamic Republic join the GCC to bolster its relations with its Gulf Arab neighbours, the newswire said.

“I wonder why Iran, a neighbouring and Muslim country, with which we are linked by solid relations, does not become a member of the GCC,” he said.

The six member states of the GCC - Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Oman - are all close allies of the US.

The police chief’s comments come as Iran remains embroiled in a standoff with the West over its nuclear programme.

The West suspects Iran is seeking to build a nuclear bomb, a charge Tehran denies. It says its nuclear programme aims to provide electricity for its power hungry economy.

The US has not taken the option of military force off the table and French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner recently said the West should brace itself for possible war with Iran.

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READERS' COMMENTS

Dubai Police Chief
Posted by marc, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Tuesday 9 October 2007 at 10:00 UAE time


I am baffled by the fact that a police chief would publicly make such political statements. Isn't he a bit out of his jurisdiction?

Iran and the GCC
Posted by The Consultant, Dubai, UAE on Tuesday 9 October 2007 at 09:00 UAE time


If GCC Governments are concerned about their citizens being unable to get jobs due to the number of expatriates in the region (as reported recently in Arabian Business), what's it going to be like if 50+ million Iranians have the freedom to move to and work in the Gulf without visas?

IRAN AND GCC
Posted by fazal ahmed, Hyderabad, India on Monday 8 October 2007 at 16:00 UAE time

It will be a great occasion if Iran joins hands with the GCC and strengthens the region. Iran is a Muslim country and GCC countries must work together with Iran for the stability and prosperity of the Gulf region.

great
Posted by shaquil70, sharjah, uae on Monday 8 October 2007 at 13:00 UAE time

Dear Sir, appreciate your support, its now up to the Iranian nation to be a part of GCC and strengthen the Islamic world. Forget Shi'a-Sunni differences and be a part of the Islamic Ummah.

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