UAE minister warns against 'bullying neighbors' amid Iran attacks

The United Arab Emirates called on the international community on Thursday to take notice of Iranian aggression in the Gulf, warning that no country should hold vital global waterways "hostage".

In an exclusive Sky News interview, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem Al Hashimy emphasized the risks posed by repeated drone and missile attacks on the Emirates and neighboring states.

Reem highlighted the UAE’s measured response to the ongoing conflict, saying, “We have demonstrated incredible resilience and incredible strength.” She described how the country’s armed forces, civil defense, and police have maintained safety and public calm despite being targeted by hundreds of missiles and drones since February 28.

“Long-term wars aren’t a good idea,” she added, stressing that the UAE does not advocate conflict but is prepared to handle any duration of hostilities. “This is a war we never called for, and we tried to ensure our bases were not used to launch attacks against Iran,” the State Minister said, pointing to the Revolutionary Guard’s deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure as evidence of Tehran’s hostile intent toward its Gulf neighbors.

'You can’t bully your neighbors'

Elaborating on recent remarks by the UAE foreign minister that the country “will not be blackmailed by terrorists,” Al Hashimy explained what that meant, pointing to tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and their global implications.

“It means you can't bully your neighbors, your supposed partners. Look at, for example, what's happening today in the Strait of Hormuz. The straits—and I'm sure your viewers know this—is a really narrow international waterway that allows for the passage of ships and vessels which carry a whole range of things. Whether it's gas—25% of the world's gas comes from the Gulf—or oil—20% of the world's oil comes from here - or petrochemicals - 70% of the world's petrochemical needs come from the Gulf. So, it's a really powerful and important passage. No country... no country should actually hold those straits as hostage because the recipients of those flows actually go to the entire world, and the entire world needs it…”

Global cooperation and de-escalation

While cautioning against an offensive posture, Reem stressed that the UAE reserves the right to respond if attacks persist. She urged international partners—including Europe, Asia, and the United States—to treat the conflict as a global concern rather than a purely regional issue.

Looking beyond the immediate crisis, she expressed hope for eventual diplomatic resolution, noting the UAE’s longstanding humanitarian support to Iran during crises like COVID-19 and natural disasters. “The Iranian people have been members of our community for many years… but the Revolutionary Guard has shown ill will toward neighbors that have done no harm,” she said.

Reem highlighted the UAE’s resilience and cohesion, asserting that the society of more than 200 nationalities has stood “shoulder to shoulder” in the face of unprecedented attacks, reinforcing rather than undermining the nation’s reputation for security.