UAE Withdraws Ambassador, Shuts Tehran Embassy Over Iranian Missile Strikes

The United Arab Emirates has closed its embassy in Tehran and withdrawn its ambassador amid escalating tensions following Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting Gulf states. In an official statement, the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation described the strikes as “reckless” and a “serious and blatant violation of national sovereignty". The move marks a sharp diplomatic response as regional tensions intensify in the wake of the ongoing Iran-Israel confrontation.

According to the ministry, the decision includes the evacuation of diplomatic staff from the embassy in Tehran. UAE authorities said the recent attacks represented a dangerous escalation that endangered civilian infrastructure and populations across the region. The statement emphasized that such actions threaten not only national security but also broader regional stability at a sensitive geopolitical moment.

The development is particularly notable because the UAE had only recently restored full diplomatic engagement with Iran. The embassy in Tehran was fully reopened in 2022 during a period of improving ties between the Emirates and the Islamic Republic, a move that was later mirrored by Saudi Arabia. The latest decision therefore signals a significant deterioration in relations following the recent wave of hostilities.

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In its statement, the UAE condemned what it described as Iranian attacks on civilian sites, including residential areas, airports, ports and service facilities. Officials warned that these actions placed innocent civilians at risk and represented an irresponsible escalation. The ministry stressed that targeting civilian infrastructure violates international norms and undermines ongoing efforts aimed at de-escalation in the region.

The UAE also strongly condemned attacks reportedly directed at the Sultanate of Oman, calling them a direct threat to regional security and stability. It warned that the expansion of hostilities to additional countries is unacceptable under legal and political standards. The ministry reiterated that continued provocations risk pushing the Middle East towards a more dangerous phase of conflict.

Officials further cautioned that the current trajectory could have wider consequences for global energy security and the international economy. The UAE urged restraint and renewed diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation, while maintaining that the protection of civilian lives and national sovereignty remains a top priority as the situation continues to evolve.

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