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'26 days of terrorist Iranian attacks': UAE says missiles, drones hit civilian sites
Emirati envoy tells Human Rights Council the escalation goes beyond a military conflict, with implications for international security and the global economy
- PUBLISHED: Wed 25 Mar 2026, 3:29 PM
The UAE has faced 26 days of what it described as “egregious and terrorist Iranian attacks” involving more than 2,000 ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones. Strongly condemning the strikes, the country said they constitute a “blatant violation of the state’s sovereignty and international humanitarian law”, while warning of risks to global stability and supply chains.
Addressing the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva on Tuesday, an Emirati official said the strikes had targeted “critical civilian infrastructure including airports, residential areas, and civilian sites across the UAE”.
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Jamal Al Musharakh, Permanent Representative of the UAE to the United Nations Office and other international organisations in Geneva, warned that the escalation goes beyond conflict, calling it “systematic, reckless behaviour” that threatens regional and international security, particularly due to its impact on civilian safety, energy infrastructure and global supply chains.
He noted that the attacks have not targeted countries with which it is at war, but rather its neighbours, "countries that have repeatedly called for and, over the past months, made intensive efforts to avoid this escalation".
‘Stark contradiction’
The UAE envoy said Iran now stands isolated from its neighbours and the international community. He rejected attempts to justify the attacks as retaliatory, stressing that the UAE had made clear it would not allow its territory to be used for military operations against Iran.
He pointed to a “stark contradiction” between Iran’s claims of good neighbourliness and its actions on the ground, citing attacks on airports, ports, oil facilities, power stations and residential buildings.
Al Musharakh said the attacks have resulted in the deaths of two UAE armed forces members and six civilians, with 161 others injured from 29 nationalities.
He also warned of global repercussions, including threats to maritime navigation in key waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz, as well as disruptions to energy markets and international trade.
Global response
The envoy pointed to strong international backing for the UAE, referencing UN Security Council Resolution 2817, which condemns the attacks. He said the resolution was co-sponsored by 136 UN member states.
He also cited a resolution adopted by the International Maritime Organization, backed by more than 115 member states, condemning threats to shipping and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Al Musharakh urged the Human Rights Council to take a clear position against human rights violations resulting from the attacks.
UAE retains right to self-defence
Reaffirming the UAE’s position, Al Musharakh said the country remains committed to its model of “good neighbourliness, tolerance and coexistence,” while maintaining its right to defend itself.
“The UAE retains its full right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, national security, and territorial integrity,” he said, citing Article 51 of the UN Charter.
He added that the situation has demonstrated “the strength of our institutions, the resilience of our national system, the unity of our society, and the determination of our people.”
As Associate Editor, Sahim Salim helps tell the UAE story like no one else does — and leads a team of reporters that asks the questions to get news and headlines that matter.