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‘Not party to this war’: UAE position on Iranian attacks explained in 9 points
The UAE has called for restraint and serious diplomatic dialogue to defuse regional tensions, while affirming its legitimate right to respond under international law
- PUBLISHED: Wed 4 Mar 2026, 1:27 PM
[Editor's Note: Follow Khaleej Times live blog amid Israeli, US strikes on Iran for the latest regional developments.]
The UAE has outlined its position following Iranian attacks targeting the country, emphasising that it is not a party to the war while reaffirming its right to self-defence and calling for diplomatic solutions.
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The attacks, involving ballistic missiles and drones, targeted “civilians and civilian objects” since February 28, resulting in the death of three residents.
However, the UAE has not taken any decision to “alter its defensive posture in response to the repeated Iranian attacks”.
Here are the key points authorities have made:
1. UAE is not party to the war
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said the UAE has not permitted the use of its territory, territorial waters, or airspace for any attack against Iran.
Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, reiterated the UAE’s “long-standing and clearly declared position that its territory will not be used for any military action against Iran” during the UAE Government media briefing on Wednesday.
2. Faced more than 1,000 attacks
The MoFA said the country has been subjected to more than 1,000 Iranian attacks, a figure described as exceeding the total faced by all other targeted countries combined.
These attacks included ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones.
3. Right to respond
The UAE reserves its “full and legitimate right” to respond to the Iranian attacks in accordance with international law in order to protect its sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.
In a statement delivered by Shahad Matar, Deputy Permanent Representative of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations and other International Organisations in Geneva, she said the “blatant aggression constitutes a flagrant violation of the state’s sovereignty and a complete disregard for the principles of international law and the Charter of the United Nations”.
In a separate statement, the MoFA said the UAE retains its “legitimate right to self-defence”.
4. UAE rejects use of territory to expand conflict
Shahad Matar stressed the UAE’s “categorical rejection” of the use of its territory as a platform for “settling scores or expanding the scope of conflicts”.
She also condemned attacks targeting Gulf Cooperation Council states and Arab countries in the region, affirming “full solidarity” with the sisterly states.
5. Immediate cessation of attacks
Al Hashimy called for the immediate cessation of all attacks against the UAE and neighbouring states.
She warned that continued attacks would “negatively impact bilateral relations and affect political, economic, and trade tracks”.
6. Dialogue and diplomatic solutions
Al Hashimy stressed the UAE’s commitment to de-escalation and serious diplomatic dialogue.
Shahad Matar also called for restraint, saying diplomatic solutions remain the optimal means to safeguard regional security.
7. Preventing escalation
Despite the gravity of events, Al Hashimy said the UAE’s position remains measured and strategic, focused on preventing escalation while defending its sovereignty.
She stressed that military escalation will not lead to lasting stability.
8. Diplomatic measures against Iran
Al Hashimy confirmed that the UAE has taken diplomatic steps in response to the attacks, including:
Closing the UAE embassy in Tehran
Withdrawing its diplomatic mission
Summoning the Iranian ambassador to deliver an official protest note
9. GCC security is indivisible
Al Hashimy stressed that the security of Gulf Cooperation Council member states is indivisible, warning that any infringement on the sovereignty of a Gulf state threatens regional security.
She also called on the United Nations Security Council and the international community to condemn the attacks and prevent their recurrence.
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.
