Date: May 15, 2026 l Reporter: Jan Porch
The United Arab Emirates has strongly condemned Iran’s attempts to justify recent attacks targeting Gulf countries, warning that Abu Dhabi reserves the right to respond to threats against its sovereignty and national security.
The remarks were made by UAE Minister of State Khalifa bin Shaheen Al-Marar during a meeting of BRICS foreign ministers held in New Delhi, India, where Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was also in attendance.
According to the UAE’s official position presented at the meeting, the country “categorically rejected” what it described as Iran’s efforts to justify “terrorist attacks” carried out against the Emirates and other Gulf nations during the ongoing regional conflict.
Al-Marar stated that the UAE rejects “any allegations or threats targeting its sovereignty, national security, or independent decision-making,” stressing that the country possesses the legal and military capacity to defend itself.
“The UAE does not seek protection from others and is fully capable of deterring this unprovoked aggression,” the minister reportedly told delegates at the BRICS gathering.
The UAE has been among several Gulf nations affected by escalating tensions linked to the ongoing Iran conflict. Emirati officials claim that since the war began on February 28, the country’s air defense systems have intercepted approximately 3,000 missiles and drones allegedly launched toward civilian facilities and critical infrastructure.
Tensions between Abu Dhabi and Tehran have sharply intensified in recent weeks, with both countries exchanging accusations over military operations, regional alliances, and disruptions to maritime shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi had earlier accused the UAE of being an “active partner” in the joint U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran. However, Tehran later insisted that its attacks were aimed only at American military installations located within Gulf states.
Meanwhile, Gulf countries alongside the United States are reportedly pushing for a United Nations Security Council resolution demanding the reopening of free maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes.
The disruption of shipping activities through the strait has already raised concerns about global energy supplies, oil prices, and regional economic stability. UAE officials described the continued obstruction of maritime traffic as an “act of piracy.
Despite the high-level diplomatic meeting, BRICS foreign ministers reportedly failed to issue a joint statement due to disagreements among member states over the situation in the Middle East.