The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has shut down its embassy in Tehran and recalled its diplomatic mission in response to recent missile attacks from Iran targeting Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned these assaults, labeling them a serious escalation that jeopardizes civilian lives.
On February 28, Iranian forces launched hundreds of missile and drone strikes against the UAE’s major cities, coinciding with the commencement of a U.S.-Israeli military operation in Iran. While many of the projectiles were intercepted, reports indicate that there were casualties and damage in both cities. In light of these developments, the UAE has taken decisive diplomatic action by closing its embassy and recalling its diplomats.
The attacks have caused widespread panic among residents and pose a significant threat to the UAE’s economy, which is recognized as a stable financial, logistical, and tourism hub. In an effort to mitigate potential market turmoil, the UAE’s two major stock exchanges will remain closed on March 2 and 3.
In addition to closing its embassy, the UAE summoned Iranian Ambassador Reza Ameri to deliver a formal protest against what it termed “terrorist” attacks on its territory.
Military Operations by Israel and the U.S.
On the same day as the missile strikes, Israel conducted an attack on Tehran. U.S. President Donald Trump announced the initiation of a “major combat operation” against Iran, aimed at neutralizing perceived threats from the Iranian regime. He accused Iran of funding and training militant groups in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Palestine, asserting that the operation’s goals include dismantling Iran’s missile industry and preventing global destabilization.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for launching missiles and drones towards Israel and attacking U.S. military bases in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
In the wake of these military actions, French President Emmanuel Macron called for an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council. The European Union reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring regional security and stability in the Middle East.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed support for giving the Iranian people a chance to rid themselves of what he termed a “terrorist regime” and to guarantee safety for all nations affected by attacks originating from Iran.
On February 28, Trump claimed that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei had died, a statement later confirmed by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA). Following this, on March 1, the IRGC declared the launch of what it termed the “most destructive offensive operation in the history of the Islamic Republic” against Israel and U.S. military bases. Trump warned the Iranian regime to abandon these plans, threatening a “very strong response” if they did not.
The UAE has closed its embassy in Tehran and recalled its diplomats following Iranian missile strikes on Dubai and Abu Dhabi. These attacks, coinciding with a U.S.-Israeli military operation against Iran, have raised significant concerns regarding regional stability and security.
Source: Bloomberg