Iran Strikes UAE with 15 Missiles and 4 Drones
Al Jazeera English
The UAE intercepted 15 missiles and 4 drones launched from Iran in the first such attack since the April 8 ceasefire between Iran and the US. A drone caused a fire at the Fujairah oil zone, wounding three Indian nationals, while Iran also struck an empty oil tanker near the Strait of Hormuz. Regional and Western powers condemned the strikes, calling them a dangerous escalation and urging Tehran to return to talks.
Tensions in the Gulf have surged again after the United Arab Emirates (UAE) reported intercepting 15 missiles and 4 drones launched from Iran, warning it reserves the right to respond to the 'treacherous' attacks.
According to UAE officials, Monday's assault was the first since the Iran-US ceasefire on April 8. One drone caused a major fire at the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone, wounding three Indian citizens. Officials also accused Iran of striking an empty oil tanker owned by the state oil company as it attempted to transit the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has denied the allegations. Reactions from countries around the world follow:
Saudi Arabia: The Foreign Ministry strongly condemned Iran's targeting of civilian and economic facilities in the UAE, as well as a UAE company vessel. Saudi Arabia affirmed solidarity with the UAE in protecting its sovereignty and territorial integrity, calling on Iran to halt the attacks.
Qatar: Strongly condemned the latest Iranian attacks, branding them a flagrant violation of UAE sovereignty and a serious threat to regional security. Qatar declared full solidarity with the UAE and support for all measures to defend sovereignty.
Kuwait: The Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry condemned Iran's 'reprehensible aggression' against the UAE oil tanker and drone deployment, calling it a direct threat to navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and a clear violation of freedom of navigation. Kuwait called for an immediate end to all aggression and expressed support for the UAE.
Bahrain: Denounced 'Iran's terrorist attacks' as a dangerous escalation threatening regional security. Bahrain supported the UAE in any retaliatory measures and called on the UN Security Council to take firm action against repeated Iranian attacks.
Jordan: Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi condemned the latest Iranian attacks on the UAE, affirming absolute solidarity with the UAE, calling it a dangerous escalation and a blatant violation of international law.
Germany: Chancellor Friedrich Merz strongly condemned the Iranian attacks, expressing solidarity with the UAE people. He urged Tehran to return to the negotiating table, end the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, forswear nuclear weapons, and cease threats and attacks against partners.
Canada: Prime Minister Mark Carney's office strongly condemned Iran's unprovoked missile and drone attack on the UAE, expressing solidarity with the UAE people, praising efforts to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, and calling for de-escalation and diplomacy.
UK: Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the attacks and urged Iran to engage in negotiations to prevent escalation. He affirmed solidarity with the UAE and pledged continued support to protect Gulf partners, demanding Iran take part in meaningful negotiations to maintain the ceasefire and achieve a long-term diplomatic solution.
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC): Secretary-General Jassim Mohammed Al Badawi strongly condemned the attack on the UAE oil tanker, voicing support for any measures taken by the UAE. He characterized Iran's continued targeting of vessels through the Strait as piracy and grave extortion against the security of sea lanes.
European Union (EU): EU Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen condemned the attacks, expressing solidarity with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. She asserted the attacks were unacceptable, violated sovereignty and international law, and called for continued cooperation in de-escalation and diplomatic resolution.
