TEHRAN, Dec. 5  -- Claims made by the United Arab Emirates that were anti-Iranian in nature were ill-advised, Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said Friday.

The Iranian official slammed the Arab federation for supporting the policies of the United States and Britain regarding Iran, the Islamic Republic News Agency said.

"I am surprised over the UAE trying to serve as the U. S. and the U. K. tribune in the region. I recommend the UAE to draw a distinction between its stances and those of the failed extremists in Washington and London, thus contributing to regional convergence and engagement through feeling more responsible," Mottaki said.

Mottaki's comments come in the wake of an Emirates visit by U. S. President George W. Bush and British Foreign Secretary David Milliband. (UPI)