Brief
UAE diplomatic adviser rebuts Iranian speaker’s criticism of Lana Nusseibeh’s UN bid
Anwar Gargash said the Iranian speaker’s comments lack objectivity and should be seen as personal views, not official policy.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Dubai – On 25 October 2026, Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE President, posted on X to challenge remarks made by Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf about the United Arab Emirates’ former UN ambassador Lana Nusseibeh’s candidacy for the United Nations Secretary‑General post.
Gargash argued that a genuine, objective debate on Nusseibeh’s vision, competence and suitability for the UN’s top job is legitimate and welcome. He said the Iranian speaker’s criticism “lacks objectivity and overlooks the fact that the United Nations was established to promote dialogue and resolve disputes, not to perpetuate hostilities and settle scores.”
The adviser added that it is natural for a professional figure known for bridging differences to attract objections from hard‑line voices, but he hoped the statements attributed to Ghalibaf reflected the personal views of the speaker’s social‑media account manager rather than an official Iranian parliamentary position.
Gargash’s comments come as Nusseibaf’s bid, announced on 22 October 2026, proceeds through the UN Security Council’s informal straw‑polls, where all seven candidates have already received at least two vetoes.
Key facts
- Anwar Gargash posted on X on 25 Oct 2026 to reject Iranian speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf’s remarks about Lana Nusseibeh’s UN candidacy. (gulfnews.com)
- Gargash said the criticism lacks objectivity and misrepresents the UN’s purpose. (gulfnews.com)
- He suggested the comments may reflect the personal view of Ghalibaf’s account manager, not an official Iranian position. (gulfnews.com)
- Lana Nusseibeh announced her UN Secretary‑General bid on 22 Oct 2026 and is subject to Security Council straw polls. (gulfnews.com)
Sources
- [1] gulfnews.com
- [2] khaleejtimes.com
