In a strong statement reflecting the United Arab Emirates’ commitment to regional stability, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, has condemned the ongoing insidious and terrorist Iranian attacks on the state in the strongest terms. He expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, underscoring the UAE’s solidarity with the affected nations.
Expression of Condolences
Sheikh Abdullah extended sincere condolences to the families of the victims of the Iranian attacks. Among those who lost their lives were Alaa Nader Aouni from the sister nation of Palestine, Mureeb Zaman Nizar, Mughtar Ali Gholam, and Esmail Saleem Khan from the friendly Republic of Pakistan, along with Ahmed Ali Shobar Ali from the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and Deepas Shristha from the Democratic Federal Republic of Nepal. The Minister prayed for God’s mercy upon the deceased and a swift recovery for all the injured.
Condemnation of Continued Iranian Aggression
The Minister condemned the continued Iranian missile strikes and drone attacks, which have persisted for 18 days, launching over 2,000 ballistic and cruise missiles against vital civilian infrastructure, airports, residential areas, and other civil sites within the state. This escalation represents a blatant violation of the nation’s sovereignty and poses a serious threat to regional and international security.
International Response and UAE’s Stance
Sheikh Abdullah remarked, “The UAE strongly condemns this ongoing escalation that endangers the lives of civilians and critical facilities within our nation.” This prolonged aggression has drawn sharp criticism from the international community, as reflected in Security Council Resolution 2817, co-sponsored by 136 UN member states, which demands an immediate and unconditional halt to Iranian attacks targeting the Gulf states and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
UAE’s Right to Self-Defense
Emphasizing the UAE’s sovereign rights, Sheikh Abdullah affirmed that the nation retains the full right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, national security, and territorial integrity, in accordance with international law. The Minister reassured that the relevant authorities are fully prepared to address any potential threats, stating that these attacks will not deter the UAE from safeguarding its stability and security. He also noted that the security situation nationwide remains stable, with readiness levels at their peak, instilling a sense of safety among residents and visitors alike.
Moreover, Sheikh Abdullah appreciated the support and solidarity from over 130 nations, highlighting this as a testament to the international community’s trust and the UAE’s established position through decades of responsible diplomacy, international partnerships, and contributions to regional and global stability.