Beirut, Lebanon – The Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a strongly worded statement condemning in the strongest terms the unacceptable Iranian attacks targeting the United Arab Emirates with missiles and drones.
The statement described these attacks as a “flagrant violation of the sovereignty of a sister nation, international law, and the UN Charter.” It also warned of the serious threat these actions pose to the security and stability of the entire region.
In a statement issued today, Tuesday, the Ministry expressed Lebanon’s full and unwavering solidarity with the leadership, government, and people of the UAE. It affirmed its support for the sister nation in confronting these attacks and its legitimate right to defend its territory and protect its citizens and residents.
The Ministry reiterated its call for respect for the sovereignty of Arab states and the rejection of interference in their internal affairs. It demanded an immediate end to these attacks.
Escalation on the ground and a threat to navigation
This Lebanese stance comes after the UAE announced it had been subjected to several Iranian attacks on Monday. These attacks coincided with the Iranian navy firing “warning” missiles at US warships in the Strait of Hormuz. This occurred on the first day of a US operation to secure commercial shipping. These strikes, which targeted civilian facilities for the first time in a month, put the fragile truce between Washington and Tehran to the test, especially given the significant rise in global oil prices.
Details of the attacks and losses
On the ground, a drone attack targeted the Fujairah oil industrial area, causing a fire and moderately injuring three Indian civilians.
The UAE Ministry of Defense also announced the interception of three out of four cruise missiles launched from Iran. In response, an ADNOC oil tanker was targeted by two drones.
Repercussions of the regional war
The region has been in turmoil since the outbreak of hostilities on February 28, when the US and Israel launched airstrikes against Iran. This was followed by Iran imposing restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world’s energy production passes.
Amid this escalation, which has left some 20,000 sailors stranded in the region, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attacks, describing them as a “dangerous escalation.” It also reserved the right to retaliate. As a precautionary measure, the UAE has switched to distance learning until the end of the week.
