UAE closes embassy in Tehran and recalls ambassador over Iranian missile and drone attacks

The UAE has closed its embassy in Tehran, withdrawn its ambassador and all members of its diplomatic mission.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the decision “reflects the UAE's firm and unwavering stance against any aggression that threatens its security and sovereignty”.

Iran is continuing to attack what it says are US targets in the UAE. Hundreds of missiles and drones have been shot down and intercepted. Three people in the UAE have died as a result of fallen debris.

On Monday, debris from intercepted drones damaged a warehouse in the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD) and a commercial site in Mussaffah, while another intercepted drone caused damage in Al Hamra Village in Ras Al Khaimah. No injuries were reported.

The ministry has said: “These hostile attacks against civilian sites, including residential areas, airports, ports and service facilities, endangered innocent civilians in a serious and irresponsible escalation and constitute a flagrant violation of national sovereignty, as well as a clear breach of international law and the Charter of the United Nations.”

On Sunday, two Iranian drones struck Al Salam naval base in Abu Dhabi, igniting a fire in two containers, the Ministry of Defence said. It condemned the incident in the strongest terms, describing it as a “blatant act of aggression” and stressed that the UAE reserves its full and legitimate right to respond. No casualties were reported from the attack.

The UAE's air defences have intercepted 165 ballistic missiles, two cruise missiles and 541 Iranian drones since Saturday.

The Ministry of Defence said 20 ballistic missiles were destroyed on Sunday. Eight missiles were shot down over the sea, while two cruise missiles and 311 drones were also destroyed, and 21 drones caused damage after hitting civilian areas.

Of the 165 ballistic missiles launched from Iran, 152 were destroyed while 13 fell into the sea, along with two cruise missiles which were detected and destroyed.

Of the 541 Iranian drones, 506 were intercepted and destroyed while 35 fell within the country's territory, resulting in three fatalities.

The three killed were from Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh. There were also 58 injuries reported among residents and citizens of the UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Iran, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, Yemen, Uganda, Eritrea, Lebanon and Afghanistan.

Earlier on Sunday, it was announced that a woman and her child were injured by falling debris from intercepted Iranian drones, as the UAE repelled attacks on Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

The woman and child sustained minor injuries in the incident at Etihad Towers in the capital, after an Iranian drone was intercepted by air defence systems, authorities said. One of the buildings was damaged.

Two people were also injured in Dubai after drones were intercepted by the UAE’s air defences. Debris fell near two houses in the emirate, state news agency Wam reported, with the injured receiving prompt medical care.