The United Arab Emirates has reaffirmed its commitment not to allow its airspace, territory, or waters to be used in any hostile military actions against Iran. This stance was stated by the foreign ministry in a statement issued on Monday.
President Donald Trump had previously indicated that a “U.S. armada” was heading toward the Gulf and that Washington was closely monitoring Iran after the country experienced a violent crackdown on protesters.
The UAE, which houses thousands of U.S. personnel at Al Dhafra airbase near Abu Dhabi, has also refused to provide logistical support for such actions. The ministry further emphasized that dialogue, de-escalation, adherence to international law, and respect for state sovereignty were the best methods to address “current crises.”
In a move to bolster American presence in the region amid heightened tensions with Iran, the U.S. Navy deployed an aircraft carrier strike group, including USS Abraham Lincoln. This move significantly increases American military power in the area.
The deployment comes as Tehran has warned of a “comprehensive and regret-inducing response” to any aggression, with Iran’s foreign ministry warning that it is confident in its own capabilities. Minister Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei pointed out that the arrival of such a battleship would not impact Iran’s resolve to defend itself.
Meanwhile, reports from a U.S.-backed rights group suggest nearly 6,000 people have been killed during anti-government protests in Iran, with some suggesting the actual death toll could be several times higher. These protests began in late December and escalated into a mass movement against the regime after January 8th.
Despite these developments, many opponents of the Islamic Republic’s leadership view external intervention as the most likely path to change. The deployment of naval forces by the United States has underscored the U.S.’s commitment to promoting regional security and stability in the face of ongoing challenges from Iran.