From neutrality to “a time of war” — the Gulf’s balancing act is collapsing.
Abu Dhabi Says It Is Responding to “Brutal and Unjustified Aggression” After More Than 1,400 Iranian Missiles and Drones
The United Arab Emirates said Sunday it is acting in self-defense against what it called “brutal and unjustified aggression” by Iran, as missile and drone attacks continued across the Gulf for a second consecutive week.
In a statement, the UAE’s foreign ministry said Iran had launched more than 1,400 ballistic missiles and drones targeting infrastructure and civilian sites in the region, causing casualties.
“The United Arab Emirates affirms that it is acting in self-defense,” the ministry said, adding that the country “does not seek to be drawn into any conflicts or escalation” but reserves the right to protect its sovereignty and citizens under international law and the UN Charter.
The war began on February 28 when the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and triggering a regional conflict. Tehran responded with missile and drone barrages against Israel and U.S. interests — and, increasingly, against Gulf states that insist they are not participants in the war.
Fresh attacks were reported Sunday in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait, while explosions had rocked Dubai and Bahrain’s capital, Manama, a day earlier.
UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said Saturday that the Emirates were in “a time of war” but would “emerge stronger.”
Dubai authorities confirmed that a Pakistani national was killed after debris from an aerial interception struck a vehicle.
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian had earlier apologized to Gulf countries, suggesting they would no longer be targeted unless their territory was used to strike Iran. Hours later, Iran’s judiciary chief contradicted that message, saying strikes would continue against Gulf sites “at the disposal of the enemy.”
Pezeshkian later said his remarks had been misinterpreted, insisting Iran sought good relations with neighbors but would retaliate against aggression.
For Gulf states that have long sought to remain outside direct confrontation, the conflict is narrowing their options. With air defenses active and civilian casualties mounting, the UAE’s declaration underscores a shift from cautious neutrality to open defensive posture.
The question now is whether that posture deters further escalation — or draws the region deeper into war.
