The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has issued a firm declaration of military independence and sovereign right, asserting that the Gulf nation is capable of deterring aggression without external protection amid a sharp diplomatic fallout with Iran. Speaking at a meeting of BRICS bloc foreign ministers in New Delhi on Friday, May 15, Minister of State Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar reaffirmed his country’s resolve to safeguard its territorial integrity against what he described as a relentless campaign of hostile acts.
During the summit, which was attended by both UAE and Iranian representatives, Al Marar dismissed attempts to justify recent attacks on the Emirates, labeling such justifications as violations of the UN Charter and international law.
The Minister of State rejected Iranian accusations and criticism directed at the UAE, emphasizing that the country retains its sovereign, legal, diplomatic, and military rights to respond to hostile acts. He further maintained that pressure campaigns and what he called malicious claims would not alter the UAE’s positions or deter it from safeguarding its national interests.
The diplomatic friction comes in the wake of staggering military data released by the UAE. Al Marar revealed that the country has intercepted nearly 3,000 ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones since February 28—the date marking the commencement of the US and Israeli war on Iran.
Tensions reached a new peak following accusations from Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who claimed Abu Dhabi maintained an “alliance” with Israel and was directly involved in strikes against Iranian territory.
Al Marar fired back by accusing Tehran of disrupting vital maritime routes, specifically the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz. He described the use of the waterway as a tool for political pressure, branding the maneuver as “an act of piracy.”
The regional situation remains volatile despite a ceasefire mediated by Pakistan that took effect on April 8. While US President Donald Trump later extended the truce indefinitely, high-level talks in Islamabad failed to secure a lasting peace agreement.
As the US and Israel continue their campaign against Iran, the UAE remains a focal point of Tehran’s retaliation, prompting the Emirates to reiterate that it does not seek protection from any party and is capable of deterring aggression on its own terms.|
