The United Arab Emirates on Friday categorically rejected Iran's attempts to justify its terrorist attacks against the Emirates and other Gulf countries, as tensions between the two nations continue to escalate.
UAE's Strong Condemnation at BRICS Meeting
Minister of State Khalifa bin Shaheen Al-Marar made the comments during the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting in New Delhi, which was also attended by Iran's Abbas Araghchi. Al-Marar told the gathering that his country rejected any allegations or threats targeting its sovereignty, national security, or independent decision-making, according to the Emirates News Agency.
He added that the UAE reserves its full sovereign, legal, diplomatic, and military rights to respond to any threat, allegation, or hostile act.
Background of the Conflict
The UAE was heavily targeted by Iran at the height of the US-Israeli war with the country. In recent weeks, Abu Dhabi and Tehran have exchanged heated statements, and Iran has launched further attacks on the country and its shipping. Al-Marar revealed that since the war started on February 28, the UAE's air defenses had intercepted approximately 3,000 drone and missile attacks that deliberately and directly targeted civilian facilities and critical infrastructure.
He emphasized that the UAE does not seek protection from others and is fully capable of deterring this unprovoked aggression.
BRICS Diplomatic Stalemate
Diplomats from BRICS nations failed to issue a joint statement on Friday after the two-day meeting, Reuters reported. India, in a closing chair's statement, noted that there were differing views among some members regarding the situation in the West Asia/Middle East region.
Iran's Araghchi accused the UAE on Thursday of being an active partner in the US-Israeli war against his country. He then claimed on Friday that Iran only hit American military bases and American military installations which are unfortunately on their soil.
UAE's Stance and International Efforts
UAE officials in recent days have condemned Iranian statements about the country and insisted that the Emirates is committed to a political solution to end the war. Gulf countries and the US are gathering support at the UN for a draft Security Council resolution to pressure Iran to allow ships to resume free passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Al-Marar described the closure of the waterway, which has severely restricted energy exports from the Gulf, as an act of piracy.
