The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has called for de-escalation following recent Iranian airstrikes, while maintaining that it reserves the right to defend itself, according to UAE ambassador to Germany, Ahmed Alattar.
Alattar stated that the UAE would continue to cooperate with the United States in efforts to prevent further escalation in the region.
Speaking to the Handelsblatt newspaper in remarks published on Tuesday, he added that the country retains its full right to self-defence under international law.
Iran has launched attacks on Gulf states since the conflict began roughly two and a half weeks ago, with the UAE reportedly facing some of the heaviest strikes.
Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has urged Gulf nations to shut down U.S. military bases within their territories, warning that failure to do so would result in continued attacks.
Alattar said the UAE is currently acting in self-defence and called on Iran to immediately halt its offensive actions.
He also stressed that the UAE has clearly stated it would not permit its territory to be used as a base for attacks against Iran.
Despite this, he accused Iran of deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure, including residential areas, airports, and other key facilities, using missiles and drones.
According to Alattar, the ongoing conflict poses a threat to the UAE’s long-established reputation as a secure destination in the Middle East, as well as its status as a logistics hub, financial centre, and luxury tourism destination.
He added, however, that he still holds out hope for a diplomatic resolution to the crisis.
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