World leaders call UAE president to condemn Iranian attacks on civilians

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received phone calls from several world leaders, condemning what they described as Iranian attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure in the UAE.

The leaders, including King Abdullah II of Jordan, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, reaffirmed solidarity with the UAE. The calls were reported by the state news agency WAM.

What did world leaders say in their calls with the UAE president?

The leaders condemned the attacks as a violation of UAE sovereignty and a threat to regional peace. They reaffirmed their countries' support for measures to safeguard the UAE's security and stability. All three backed the UAE's efforts to protect its citizens and territory.

What attacks on the UAE did Iran allegedly carry out?

The UAE reported intercepting missile and drone threats on Monday evening, alongside a fire at a major oil industry zone following a drone strike authorities said originated from Iran. The UAE foreign ministry described the incident as a serious escalation and a direct threat to national security. The country said it reserves its "full and legitimate right" to respond.

The strikes also disrupted regional air traffic, with multiple flights bound for the UAE diverted to Muscat and other aircraft circling over Saudi airspace, according to Flightradar24 data.

Iran's military denied responsibility, with the Khatam al-Anbiya central command calling the allegations "completely unfounded." The UAE, however, maintained that its air defenses intercepted incoming threats it identified as Iranian in origin.

What is the broader context of the UAE-Iran tensions?

The latest developments follow a period of relative calm after a Pakistani-mediated ceasefire between Washington and Tehran took effect on April 8, halting over a month of intense hostilities in the Gulf region.

The ceasefire framework has proved fragile, with the UAE now reporting two consecutive days of missile and drone threats it attributes to Iran. Tehran has categorically denied launching any attacks on the UAE during this period.