UAE Rejects Iran’s Justification for Attacks, Calls Retaliatory Strike Claims Misleading
Abu Dhabi, UAE — The United Arab Emirates has firmly rejected Iran’s attempts to justify recent missile and drone attacks on its territory, dismissing Tehran’s claims that the strikes were legitimate retaliation. Emirati officials said the allegations were misleading and stressed that the UAE has acted only in self-defence while seeking to prevent further escalation in the region.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the UAE criticised Iran’s narrative surrounding the attacks and reiterated that targeting Gulf nations cannot be justified under any circumstances. Officials said the strikes violated international law and threatened the stability and security of the wider region.
According to Emirati authorities, Iran has launched a series of missile and drone attacks across the Gulf as tensions intensified following the broader conflict involving the United States and Israel. While Tehran has argued that its actions were part of retaliation against foreign military operations, the UAE said such claims ignore the reality that civilian areas and vital infrastructure have also been put at risk.
The UAE emphasised that it has not initiated any offensive military action against Iran and has consistently called for restraint and diplomacy. Officials said the country remains focused on protecting its sovereignty and ensuring the safety of residents and citizens while avoiding being drawn deeper into the regional conflict.
Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President Anwar Gargash also criticised the spread of what he described as inaccurate narratives about the situation. He said the UAE would communicate any defensive measures openly and would not rely on leaks or speculation circulating on social media.
“Our objective is clear — to stop aggression against the UAE and other Gulf states, not to escalate the conflict,” Gargash said, stressing that the country’s response remains defensive in nature.
The UAE has repeatedly stated that Iranian strikes have affected civilian infrastructure in the Gulf region, contradicting Tehran’s assertion that the attacks were aimed only at military targets. Officials warned that such actions undermine regional security and increase the risk of a wider confrontation.
Authorities in the UAE also reiterated that the country reserves the right to take all necessary steps to defend its territory, national security and people. At the same time, they stressed that diplomatic engagement and international cooperation remain essential to reduce tensions and prevent further violence.
Despite the ongoing security challenges, the UAE has sought to reassure residents and businesses that the situation remains under control. Government officials have highlighted the country’s advanced defence systems and emergency preparedness measures, which have intercepted many incoming threats and helped maintain stability.
The UAE has also called on the international community and the United Nations to take stronger action to address the escalating conflict and hold parties accountable for attacks that endanger civilian populations.
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Officials said the Emirates continues to prioritise dialogue and regional stability, even as it strengthens defensive readiness amid one of the most serious security crises in the Gulf in recent years.
UAE rejects Iran’s retaliation claims: “Misleading narratives won’t justify attacks on our soil.” Abu Dhabi calls for diplomacy as regional tensions simmer.
