A composite photo of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed (centre), US President Donald Trump (right) and Russian President Vladimir Putin. ARCHIVE

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Monday (March 2) received phone calls from US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin following Iranian attacks targeting the UAE and other countries in the region. During the separate calls, Sheikh Mohamed discussed what officials described as blatant Iranian attacks on UAE territory and developments across the region. In his conversation with Trump, the two leaders reviewed the evolving situation and its implications for regional and international security and peace, and exchanged views on the matter. In the call with Putin, the UAE President and the Russian leader discussed the attacks targeting the UAE and several Arab countries, along with broader military and security developments and their impact on regional and international stability. Sheikh Mohamed and Putin called for an immediate halt to military escalation to prevent a widening of the conflict. Both leaders emphasised the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in addressing regional tensions. The UAE President also received solidarity calls from several world leaders, including the presidents of Kuwait, Syria, Iraq, Kazakhstan, India, Norway, Mauritius, Albania, Cyprus, Georgia, Maldives and Kenya, as well as the president of the Swiss Confederation.

UAE summons Iranian ambassador

On the same day, the UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Reza Ameri, Iran’s Ambassador to the UAE, and delivered what officials described as a strongly worded note of protest. The ministry conveyed the UAE’s condemnation “in the strongest terms” of Iran’s attacks and assaults, stressing that targeting UAE territory constitutes a violation of sovereignty and a threat to national security, as well as a breach of international conventions and norms. During the meeting, Minister of State Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar expressed the UAE’s categorical rejection of any justifications or excuses issued by the Iranian Government regarding what he described as hostile escalation targeting civilian sites. He said the attacks struck residential areas, airports, ports and service facilities, placing innocent civilians at risk. Al Marar underscored that the escalation contradicts the UAE’s clear position that it would not permit its territory to be used in any military action against Iran. He said the attacks contravene the principles of good neighbourliness and the Charter of the United Nations, and undermine efforts toward de-escalation and peaceful solutions that the UAE has consistently pursued. Al Marar warned of serious repercussions on bilateral relations, including political, economic and commercial ties. He stressed the UAE’s demand that its sovereignty be respected and that the attacks cease immediately and unconditionally, adding that the UAE reserves its right to respond in accordance with international law. Authorities continue to monitor developments closely as diplomatic efforts intensify to prevent further escalation in the region. CAM/ICA/WAM/Expat Media ALSO READ: UAE news updates on Iran strikes
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