• The UAE has formally condemned Iranian attacks as a 'serious escalation' and a 'direct threat' to its security, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.
  • Diplomatic protests have been lodged with Tehran, while UAE defense agencies have heightened air defense and security postures around critical infrastructure.
  • The crisis threatens Gulf stability, energy markets, and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, with international calls for de-escalation.

The United Arab Emirates issued a strongly worded condemnation on Thursday, describing recent Iranian attacks as a serious escalation that poses a direct threat to the country's security. In a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the UAE vowed to take necessary measures to defend its sovereignty and protect its citizens and residents.

According to people familiar with the matter, the UAE has summoned Iran's charge d'affaires to protest the strikes, which hit areas near civilian infrastructure. The ministry's statement emphasized that such actions violate international law and regional stability. Calls to Tehran for comment were not immediately returned.

The UAE’s defense and security agencies have been put on high alert, with additional air defense systems deployed around key energy facilities and ports. Officials have warned civilians to remain vigilant, though no casualties have been reported so far. The heightened posture comes as Iran continues to target Gulf neighbors, raising fears of a broader regional conflict.

This latest escalation follows a pattern of Iranian missile and drone strikes against Gulf states, which have previously prompted international mediation. The UAE’s stance marks a hardening of its position, moving from behind-the-scenes diplomacy to public condemnation.

'We consider this a red line,' a senior UAE official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. 'Our security is not negotiable, and we will respond appropriately to any threat.'

The crisis has already rippled through energy markets, with oil prices jumping on concerns over disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Insurance premiums for vessels in the Gulf have risen sharply, and port operators are assessing risks to cargo flows.

Internationally, Western powers have backed the UAE’s position, calling for restraint and a return to diplomatic channels. The United Nations has offered to mediate, but no concrete talks have been scheduled.

Analysts suggest the UAE is balancing deterrence with diplomacy, aiming to avoid a prolonged military engagement that could destabilize the region further. 'The UAE wants to signal strength without triggering an all-out war,' said a Gulf security expert. 'They’re calibrating their response carefully.'

Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated the date of the Foreign Ministry statement. It was issued on March 27, 2026.