By The South Asia Times

DUBAI/TEHRAN– Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi issued a stark warning to the United States and the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, declaring that “Project Freedom is Project Deadlock” and cautioning Washington against being dragged back into a regional quagmire by “ill-wishers.”

The unusual direct-language statement, posted on the social media platform X, comes amid heightened naval maneuvers in the Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly a fifth of global oil production passes. While Araghchi acknowledged progress in talks brokered by Pakistan, his remarks signaled deepening frustration with U.S. Freedom of Navigation Operations (FONOPs) and what Tehran views as provocative Emirati support for American surveillance assets.

• “Events in Hormuz make clear that there’s no military solution to a political crisis.”

• “As talks are making progress with Pakistan’s gracious effort, the U.S. should be wary of being dragged back into quagmire by ill-wishers. So should the UAE.”

• “Project Freedom is Project Deadlock.”

The immediate trigger for Araghchi’s intervention appears to be an incident late Monday involving an unidentified drone -- eportedly operating without active transponders -- that briefly entered Iranian-claimed airspace near the disputed Greater Tunb island. Iranian air defenses issued verbal warnings, and the drone retreated toward UAE territorial waters, according to a regional security official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Tehran has long accused the UAE of hosting forward operating bases for US intelligence drones, a claim Abu Dhabi denies. However, since the normalization of Emirati-Israeli ties in 2020, the UAE has deepened security coordination with Washington, including hosting F-35-capable facilities.

The Pentagon declined official comment on Araghchi’s post but a defense official, speaking on background, said: “Freedom of navigation is non-negotiable. Any threats to commercial shipping or US vessels will be met with appropriate force.”

The UAE’s Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. However, a senior Emirati diplomat, also speaking anonymously, told Reuters: “Deadlock benefits no one. Iran should return to compliance on its nuclear file if it wants de-escalation.”

Analysts say Araghchi’s framing of “Project Freedom” as “Project Deadlock” is a calculated rhetorical gambit.

The reference to a “quagmire” is particularly loaded, evoking American traumas in Iraq and Afghanistan. By tying that memory to the current Gulf posture, Araghchi aims to split Washington’s strategic elite -- pitting the Pentagon’s muscle-flexing against a war-weary Congress and public.

Despite the tough language, diplomatic channels remain open. A second round of Pakistan-mediated talks is reportedly scheduled for Doha later this month. However, both navies have reinforced their presence in the Gulf over the past 72 hours.

The Iranian parliament’s National Security Committee is scheduled to hold an emergency session on Wednesday. Hardliners are expected to demand a more aggressive response to US patrols, potentially including the deployment of new anti-ship missiles to the Strait.