Ankara: The United Arab Emirates declared its independence from external protection, stating its capability to deter aggression and affirming its right to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. This statement was made by Minister of State Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar during a BRICS bloc foreign ministers meeting in New Delhi.
According to Anadolu Agency, Al Marar dismissed Iranian accusations and criticisms aimed at the UAE, condemning any justification for attacks targeting the UAE and other regional nations. He emphasized that such actions are violations of the UN Charter, international law, and principles of good neighborliness. Both the UAE and Iran, members of the BRICS bloc, attended the summit held in India.
Al Marar further rejected any threats to the UAE's sovereignty, national security, and independent decision-making, affirming the country's sovereign, legal, diplomatic, and military rights to respond to hostile acts. He asserted that pressure campaigns and what he described as malicious claims would not change the UAE's positions or deter it from safeguarding its national interests.
The UAE has reportedly intercepted nearly 3,000 ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones since Feb. 28, primarily targeting civilian facilities and critical infrastructure such as airports, ports, and energy facilities. Al Marar accused Iran of disrupting maritime routes, notably accusing it of effectively closing the critical Strait of Hormuz, labeling such use of the waterway as 'an act of piracy.'
These comments followed Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's allegations against the UAE of maintaining an 'alliance' with Israel and direct involvement in attacks on Iran. Since the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran on Feb. 28, regional tensions have heightened, leading to Tehran's retaliation against Israel and US allies in the Gulf, along with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Although a ceasefire was implemented on April 8 through Pakistani mediation, talks in Islamabad did not result in a lasting agreement. US President Donald Trump later extended the truce indefinitely.