UAE Reaffirms Right to Defend Sovereignty Amid Iranian Aggression

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has strongly denounced Iranian claims and justified terrorist attacks targeting the country and other states in the region during the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in New Delhi.

Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, UAE Minister of State, described the attacks as a “flagrant violation” of the United Nations Charter, international law, and the principles of good neighborliness. He emphasized the UAE’s unwavering rejection of any threats, allegations, or accusations affecting its sovereignty, national security, or independent decision-making.

Al Marar asserted the UAE’s full sovereign, legal, diplomatic, and military rights in confronting aggression or hostile actions. He stated, "Attempts to exert pressure, level accusations, or promote malicious claims will not alter the country’s established positions or deter it from protecting its national interests and sovereignty."

The minister highlighted that the UAE has been repeatedly subjected to unwarranted Iranian attacks since February 28, 2026. Emirati air defenses have intercepted nearly 3,000 ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones targeting civilian facilities and critical infrastructure. According to him, the attacks have deliberately focused on key facilities including airports, ports, oil installations, desalination plants, energy networks, service infrastructure, and residential areas.

Despite receiving widespread regional and international condemnation, Al Marar stated that Iran has continued its terrorist activities against the UAE and other nations in the region. He pointed to United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817 of 2026, co-sponsored by 136 countries, and noted a resolution adopted unanimously by the United Nations Human Rights Council, condemning the attacks during a session held in Geneva on March 25, 2026.

He added that these resolutions described the attacks as violations of international law and threats to international peace and security, highlighting support from over 100 countries.

Al Marar also referenced condemnations from international organizations, including resolutions issued by the International Maritime Organization and the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization. These resolutions reportedly condemned Iranian violations of state sovereignty and threats to civil aviation safety.

The minister cited further international efforts to denounce the attacks, pointing to resolutions from the Marine Environment Protection Committee of the International Maritime Organization, which called on Iran to cease its actions targeting commercial ships, oil tankers, and port infrastructure. He also mentioned the International Telecommunication Union Council’s condemnation of attacks on civilian communications infrastructure and the Food and Agriculture Organization’s stance against actions threatening food security.

Al Marar underscored the significance of these resolutions in demonstrating broad international consensus rejecting such aggression. He said the measures affirm the UAE’s right to defend its sovereignty in accordance with international law.

“The resolutions send a clear message that the international community will not tolerate attacks against state sovereignty or the deliberate targeting of civilians and critical infrastructure,” he stated.

The minister affirmed that the UAE does not rely on external protection and remains fully capable of deterring aggression while exercising its legitimate rights under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter to defend sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the safety of its citizens, residents, and visitors.

Al Marar laid full responsibility for the attacks and their consequences on Iran, stressing that respect for state sovereignty, dialogue, an end to terrorist activities, and adherence to international law are essential for lasting stability.