Abu Dhabi (TDI): The United Arab Emirates has announced the closure of its Embassy in Tehran and the withdrawal of its Ambassador, along with all members of its diplomatic mission, in response to the Iranian missile attacks inside UAE’s territory.
Notably, the attacks come in retaliation to the US-Israel barrage of ongoing strikes on Iran. Tehran maintains its missile and drone attacks across the Gulf are not acts of confrontation with the countries themselves; as its targets are only limited to American military and naval bases.
The Emirates News Agency quoted the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs as saying: “These hostile attacks against civilian sites, including residential areas, airports, ports, and service facilities, endangered innocent civilians in a serious and irresponsible escalation and constitute a flagrant violation of national sovereignty, as well as a clear breach of international law and the Charter of the United Nations.”
Read More: No Imminent Threat from Iran Before US Hit, Pentagon Chief Tells Congress Ahead of Press Conference
“It comes in light of continued hostile and provocative conduct that undermines de-escalation efforts and pushes the region toward a highly dangerous trajectory, threatening regional and international peace and stability, as well as energy security and the stability of the global economy,” the statement added.
The US, Israel attacks on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory strikes across the region continue for a third consecutive day, with reports of three deaths in the UAE, linked to the attacks.
UAE hosts the Al-Dhafra Air Base, where the US 380th Air Expeditionary Wing is stationed. This wing includes 10 squadrons of aircraft, as well as drones such as MQ-9 Reapers.
US-Israel War on Iran Continues
What We Know So Far?
- The Unites States and Israel launched coordinated attacks on multiple locations in Iran, in early hours of Saturday.
- The most significant attack targeted the Iranian Supreme Leader in downtown Tehran; who was at that time chairing a meeting of top officials of the country; 40 of whom were killed in the attack.
- Iran announced and confirmed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s death.
- The Israeli military stated that its airstrikes on Iran, carried out in coordination with the US military, targeted dozens of Iranian military sites after months of joint planning.
- Since the attacks, Iran retaliated with two initial waves of missile strikes on Israel, as well as attacks across the Middle East and Gulf; in countries which host US bases.
- Trump has announced “major combat operations” against Iran; which means an active state of war. He also urged Iranian citizens to seize power and overthrow government.
- The trading of strikes has now entered a third day. Reports suggest 201 people have been killed in Iran while nine in Israel.
- Three US soldiers were killed in an Iranian attack on America’s base in Kuwait. Trump said more deaths of US personnel may happen.
- Israel has announced an “offensive campaign against Hezbollah” starting early Monday; disrupting a fragile year-long ceasefire.
- UK RAF base in Cyprus hit by Shahed drone, minor damage caused: Cypriot President
- Qatar Airways flights to remain suspended, while explosions were also heard in Iraq’s Erbil.
Usman Naseer
Usman Naseer is a writer and researcher in international affairs, conflict studies, and geopolitics. With a background in Peace and Conflict Studies, his work explores emerging security challenges, diplomacy, and global power shifts.
