UAE Under Missile Attack: Iran Blamed Amid Soaring Middle East Tensions

A large explosion echoed through Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), on the 28th, rapidly escalating tensions in the Middle East. Reuters and Jiji Press quickly reported the incident, with multiple sources attributing it to missile attacks by Iran. The UAE Ministry of Defense announced that it had "successfully" intercepted several missiles launched from Iran. However, one Pakistani national was confirmed dead in Abu Dhabi in connection with these attacks.

Explosions were also reported in several other Gulf cities, including Doha, Qatar, and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, raising suspicions that US military bases might have been targets. Iran claimed responsibility, stating that it attacked US military facilities in the region in retaliation for "provocative military attacks" by the United States and Israel.

In response, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia condemned in the strongest terms Iran's "brutal aggression" against the sovereignty of the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Saudi Arabia expressed its full support and solidarity to assist these nations in any measures they might take. The UAE also strongly denounced the missile attacks, warning that continued violations of this nature would lead to "serious consequences."

Amid rising regional tensions, Iran called on its citizens to leave the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Jordan. Similarly, the Japanese Embassy in the UAE and other missions urged Japanese nationals residing there to evacuate. France prioritized the protection of its citizens and military personnel in the region, while Switzerland called for maximum restraint and respect for international law.

This situation has also significantly impacted the aviation industry. Many airlines across the Middle East (including Iran, Israel, UAE, Kuwait, Jordan, etc.) suspended or canceled flights, and Iraq and the UAE announced the closure of their airspace. The Japanese government also stated that it is "watching developments with serious concern," reinforcing the widespread recognition that the security environment in the Middle East is "on the verge of explosion."

The context

The incident described in this article is part of a larger, long-standing geopolitical struggle in the Middle East. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a key member of the Saudi-led coalition that has been intervening in the Yemeni civil war since 2015, supporting the internationally recognized government against the Houthi movement (Ansar Allah). The Houthis are an Iran-backed Shiite rebel group, and they have repeatedly launched drones and missiles targeting the UAE and Saudi Arabia in retaliation for their involvement in Yemen.

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While the article specifically mentions "Iran-launched missiles" and Iran's claim of targeting US facilities in retaliation for "provocative military attacks by the United States and Israel," it’s important to understand the intertwined nature of these conflicts. Iran often uses proxy groups, like the Houthis, to exert influence and retaliate against its adversaries, including the US, Israel, and Gulf Arab states. Therefore, attacks attributed to Iran or its proxies against the UAE or US bases in the region are often seen as part of this broader regional power struggle, rather than isolated incidents.

The UAE hosts significant US military assets, such as Al Dhafra Air Base, making it a potential target for groups or nations looking to strike at American interests in the region. The escalation also reflects the ongoing tensions around Iran's nuclear program and its regional activities, which are frequently cited by the US and its allies as destabilizing factors. The condemnation from Saudi Arabia and the call for evacuation by Iran underscore the volatile and interconnected nature of security in the Gulf region.