Gargash stated that the country’s goal is to halt the ongoing Iranian aggression against the UAE and other Gulf states, rather than being drawn into a broader escalation.
A senior UAE diplomat said on Sunday that any defensive measures by the country will be announced through official channels, dismissing social media speculation about potential military maneuvers.
In a statement on X, Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE President, stressed that the country’s response to the current security situation arising from Iranian aggression would be transparent and communicated publicly.
UAE vows transparency on defensive measures amid Iranian aggression
A senior UAE diplomat, Anwar Gargash, stated that any defensive actions taken by the country will be publicly announced through official channels, dismissing speculation circulating on social media about potential military maneuvers.
“Any defensive measures that the state will take will be public and clear, and will not rely on press leaks or narratives from unknown sources and intentions,” Gargash wrote. He added that the UAE’s objective is to halt ongoing aggression against the country and other Gulf states, rather than be drawn into a broader escalation.
Earlier, Gargash called on Iran to act responsibly, noting that Tehran’s recent actions have isolated the country. He warned the Islamic Republic not to target its neighbours, saying, “Your war is not with your neighbours.” He further urged Iran to “return to reason,” cautioning that recent attacks on Gulf states represent a strategic miscalculation. In a social media post, he highlighted that the escalation underscores concerns about Iran’s role as a source of regional instability.
Prior to Gargash’s statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed that the country is currently in a state of defence following what it described as “brutal and unprovoked” aggression by Iran. The ministry condemned the strikes as a “flagrant violation of international law and the UN Charter” and a direct infringement on the UAE’s sovereignty and security. Officials stressed that the country retains the right under international law to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, national security, and territorial integrity.
The UAE, caught in the conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran, reported four deaths and 112 minor to moderate injuries on Sunday, following retaliatory strikes by Tehran on US assets since February 28. The attacks have not been limited to US targets; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Iranian strikes also targeted civilian infrastructure. The barrage included more than 1,400 ballistic missiles and drones.
