UAE says its airspace, territory not used for attacks on Iran

The United Arab Emirates has called for restraint and serious diplomatic dialogue to defuse regional tensions, while affirming its legitimate right to respond under international law.

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," according to a UAE embassy statement released today (5 March).

The UAE 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.

The statement said the attacks, involving ballistic missiles and drones since 28 February, targeted "civilians and civilian objects," resulting in the deaths of three residents.

However, the UAE said it has not taken any decision to "alter its defensive posture in response to the repeated Iranian attacks."

Reem Al Hashimy, UAE minister of state for International Cooperation, reiterated the country'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 yesterday, 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."

Al Hashimy stressed the UAE's commitment to de-escalation and serious diplomatic dialogue, saying military escalation will not lead to lasting stability. Despite the gravity of the situation, she said the UAE's position remains measured and strategic, focused on preventing escalation while defending its sovereignty.

She also said the UAE has taken diplomatic steps in response to the attacks, including closing the UAE embassy in Tehran, withdrawing its diplomatic mission, and summoning the Iranian ambassador to deliver an official protest note.

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.

In the statement, Shahad Matar, deputy permanent representative of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations and other International Organisations in Geneva, said the UAE reserves its "full and legitimate right" to respond to the Iranian attacks in accordance with international law to protect its sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.

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."

Shahad Matar also stressed the UAE's "categorical rejection" of the use of its territory as a platform for "settling scores or expanding the scope of conflicts," and condemned attacks targeting Gulf Cooperation Council states and other Arab countries in the region, affirming "full solidarity" with the sisterly states.

She also called for restraint, saying diplomatic solutions remain the optimal means to safeguard regional security.

Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, minister of Economy and Tourism and chairman of the board of directors of the General Civil Aviation Authority, said the UAE has begun implementing limited operational flights to facilitate the return of citizens and residents to their homeland.

Flights have already been operated through the country's airports to return travellers affected by the current circumstances, and the process is being carried out in successive phases, the statement added.