UAE in 'state of defence' after Iranian missile and drone attacks, says MoFA

The United Arab Emirates is in a state of defence following the “brutal and unprovoked Iranian aggression”, after more than 1,400 ballistic missiles and drones were launched towards the country, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said in a statement on Sunday.

The Ministry added the attacks targeted infrastructure and civilian sites, resulting in civilian deaths and injuries, and said the strikes represented a serious violation of international law and the United Nations Charter, and described them as an infringement of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Officials also warned the attacks posed a direct threat to the country’s security and stability.

Despite the escalation, the UAE said it does not seek conflict or further escalation.

However, the ministry said the country retains the full right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, national security and territorial integrity, and to ensure the safety of citizens and residents.

It added that any response would be carried out in accordance with international law and the UN Charter. 

The statement in full: "The United Arab Emirates affirms that it is in a state of defense in response to the brutal and unprovoked Iranian aggression, which included the launch of more than 1,400 ballistic missiles and drones targeting infrastructure and civilian sites, resulting in civilian deaths and injuries.

These attacks constitute a flagrant violation of international law and the UN Charter, an infringement of the UAE’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and a direct threat to its security and stability.

The UAE stresses that it does not seek to be drawn into conflicts or escalation. However, the UAE reaffirms its full right to take all necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty, national security, and territorial integrity, and to ensure the safety of its citizens and residents, in accordance with international law and the UN Charter."