The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reaffirmed its commitment to preventing any hostile military activity against Iran from being carried out through Emirati territory or airspace. In a statement issued by the UAE foreign ministry on Monday, it stated that it remains committed to dialogue and adherence to international law as preferred means of addressing regional crises.
This declaration comes amid rising tensions with Iran, which have been exacerbated by the recent US military deployment of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and its strike group in the Middle East. The arrival of this significant naval asset has significantly boosted American firepower amidst concerns about escalating conflicts between the two nations.
The UAE’s stance aligns with broader regional discussions, including those involving Hezbollah, whose leader, Naim Qassem, warned that any war initiated against Iran would have far-reaching effects across the region and could draw in allied groups such as Hezbollah. According to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who cautioned Iraq not to form a government aligned with Iran, it is essential for any future Iraqi government to prioritize stability and avoid entanglements with regional powers.
In another development, a human rights group reported that at least 5,848 people were killed during protests in Iran suppressed by security forces. These reports highlight the ongoing concern about how Tehran handles dissent within its own country.