World leaders unite with UAE President as Iran strikes Gulf region with missiles, drones
Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar, UK and others reaffirm solidarity in telephonic calls
ABU DHABI – UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received a series of urgent phone calls on Saturday from regional and international leaders as tensions surged following the Israel-UAE strike on Iran earlier in the day and the subsequent Iranian missile attacks across the region.
President El-Sisi conveyed Egypt’s strong condemnation of the Iranian attacks and reaffirmed Cairo’s full solidarity with the UAE. His Highness Sheikh Mohamed thanked Egypt for its supportive stance and stressed the importance of restraint and diplomacy to prevent further escalation.
King Abdullah II of Jordan and the UAE President described the missile strikes as flagrant violations of international law and the UN Charter. Both leaders emphasised the urgent need to halt escalatory actions and return to dialogue.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reiterated the Kingdom’s full support for the UAE and readiness to provide all possible assistance. His Highness Sheikh Mohamed expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s firm and fraternal position.
Emir Sheikh Tamim of Qatar joined the diplomatic outreach, with both leaders condemning the Iranian attacks and stressing that dialogue remains the most effective path to safeguard regional security.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan condemned the strikes as violations of international law. Both leaders agreed the region is at a critical juncture requiring wisdom and diplomatic engagement.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis also voiced strong condemnation, describing the attacks as a dangerous escalation. His Highness Sheikh Mohamed thanked Greece for its supportive stance, and both sides called for immediate de-escalation.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer reaffirmed London’s condemnation of the Iranian attacks targeting the UAE and several Arab countries, warning that such actions threaten regional stability. His Highness Sheikh Mohamed expressed appreciation for the United Kingdom’s support, with both leaders stressing the need to halt escalation to prevent the conflict from widening.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz similarly condemned the attacks and expressed Berlin’s solidarity with the UAE in confronting violations of sovereignty and international law. His Highness Sheikh Mohamed thanked Germany for its backing.
Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Yamahi, Speaker of the Arab Parliament, strongly condemned the attacks, describing them as unacceptable violations of Arab sovereignty. He affirmed that Arab national security is a red line and expressed full solidarity with affected states.
The Global Council for Tolerance and Peace also denounced the escalation. Its president, Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Jarwan, warned that targeting sovereign states represents a dangerous approach that threatens regional and global stability, holding the Iranian leadership and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps responsible for the consequences.
The League of Arab States issued a strong condemnation of the missile attacks on the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, calling them flagrant violations of sovereignty.
In its statement, the Arab League’s General Secretariat expressed full solidarity with the affected Arab countries and affirmed support for measures taken to defend their peoples and territories. The organisation warned of the grave dangers posed by the current escalation and urged the international community to act swiftly to de-escalate tensions and return to dialogue.
Iran missile attacks
Earlier today, Iran launched multiple waves of missiles targeting the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain. The UAE Ministry of Defence confirmed successful interception of these missiles, with debris falling across several areas of Abu Dhabi, including Saadiyat Island, St. Regis Abu Dhabi, Khalifa City, Beni Yas, Mohamed Bin Zayed City, and Al Falah.
The UAE has also expressed condolences to the family of a Pakistani national who lost his life in the attacks, highlighting the targeting of civilians as strictly prohibited under international law.
Saudi authorities reported that Iranian missile attacks on Riyadh and the Eastern Province were repelled. The Kingdom warned of serious consequences should violations of sovereignty continue.
Bahrain confirmed several hostile attacks were launched into its territory and immediately activated emergency response plans, coordinating with allies to safeguard national security.
Qatar’s Ministry of Defence intercepted multiple missile waves, maintaining full control over the security situation.
Kuwait successfully neutralised ballistic missiles targeting Ali Al-Salem Air Base, while Jordan intercepted two missiles violating national airspace. Authorities emphasised readiness to respond to any future threats.
Airspace closures
In response to the threat, Kuwait temporarily closed its airspace to ensure the safety of passengers and operations. Qatar and Bahrain also heightened airspace vigilance, maintaining full operational control.
Meanwhile, Gulf nations remain on high alert, with readiness to respond decisively to any additional threats.