United Arab Emirates President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has strongly criticised Iran for launching missile strikes on parts of the UAE, saying Tehran should act rationally as it is not at war with neighbouring Gulf states.
In remarks conveyed by his diplomatic adviser Anwar Gargash, the UAE leadership described Iran’s actions as a serious miscalculation that has further isolated it at a critical moment. Gargash said Iran’s conflict is not with its neighbours and urged Tehran to return to reason, engage responsibly with surrounding countries and prevent further escalation.
The comments followed Iranian missile strikes on multiple areas of the UAE in retaliation for joint US-Israeli military operations that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. On Saturday, Iranian missiles struck the Al-Dhafra US base in southern Abu Dhabi, while other areas of the capital were also shaken by blasts.
Dubai, a major global business hub that does not host a US military base, was later targeted as well. The attack led to the closure of its airspace and significant disruption across the Gulf region. Five major explosions were reported in the city, Dubai International Airport sustained damage affecting flight operations, and four people were injured.
As retaliatory strikes continued overnight, the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel suffered heavy damage. A fire also broke out near another hotel on the Palm Jumeirah island.
Explosions were reported in other Gulf countries too. Loud blasts were heard in Dubai and in Doha, the capital of Qatar, while Oman was struck for the first time as the conflict expanded across the region.
Gargash said the attacks have further distanced Iran from its Gulf neighbours, warning that continued aggression would deepen its isolation.
