The United Arab Emirates has issued a sharp rebuke of Iran’s recent missile and drone attacks targeting neighboring Gulf countries, with Minister for International Cooperation Reem Al Hashimy describing Tehran’s actions as “almost unhinged.” In a detailed interview aired on Australia’s ABC News on Sunday, March 15, she expressed deep concern over the escalating violence that has unsettled the region.
Since late February, Gulf Arab states have been subjected to an unprecedented wave of aggression, enduring more than 2,000 missile and drone strikes. These attacks followed a series of military operations conducted by the United States and Israel aimed at curbing Iran’s influence and capabilities in the region. Iran, for its part, has maintained that its strikes are directed solely at US military assets and interests within the Gulf, framing its actions as retaliatory measures.
The UAE, which normalized diplomatic relations with Israel in 2020 through the Abraham Accords, has found itself among the most severely impacted by this surge in hostilities. Minister Al Hashimy described the current situation as unprecedented in the Gulf’s recent history, emphasizing that Iran’s targeting of countries that have consistently advocated for restraint and de-escalation is both alarming and destabilizing. She underscored that the attacks have gone beyond military targets, hitting civilian infrastructure including airports and oil tankers, which she characterized as “irrational” and “unlawful.”
Tragically, these assaults have resulted in the deaths of six individuals in the UAE, despite repeated assurances from Emirati authorities that their territory has not been used as a launchpad for any offensive operations against Iran. The loss of civilian lives and damage to critical infrastructure have heightened fears of a broader conflict engulfing the Gulf region, which remains a vital hub for global energy supplies and international trade.
In the midst of these tensions, the UAE has reaffirmed its strong and enduring partnership with the United States. Minister Al Hashimy highlighted the deep-rooted trust and cooperation between the two nations, noting that the presence of US military bases in Gulf countries, including the UAE, serves as a stabilizing factor. She also conveyed a message of resilience and determination, stressing that the UAE will not succumb to intimidation or external pressures aimed at undermining its sovereignty and security.
As the Gulf faces this volatile period, the international community watches closely, aware that any escalation could have far-reaching consequences beyond the region. The UAE’s stance reflects a commitment to maintaining peace and stability while standing firm against aggression, signaling a complex balancing act between diplomacy and defense in an increasingly fraught geopolitical landscape.
