Dubai, United Arab Emirates – The United Arab Emirates has announced the suspension of all commercial activities, trade exchanges and financial transactions with the Islamic Republic of Iran “until further notice”, in an official move following the recent escalation in regional tensions.
Afra Al Hameli, Director of Strategic Communications at the “UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs”, said the decision was taken “in light of the regional escalation that has undermined regional and international peace and security”. She confirmed that all commercial activities, trade exchanges and financial transactions with Iran would remain suspended until further notice.
Commitment to dialogue and regional stability
Alongside the decision, the UAE reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue, cooperation and regional integration as essential means of promoting peace, stability and prosperity across the region.
Al Hameli said the UAE remains committed to safeguarding the integrity of the international financial system in accordance with international law and the highest global standards.
The “Ministry of Foreign Affairs” also rejected circulating claims regarding the status of economic relations with Iran, while the official statement clearly defined the scope of the announced measure as covering commercial activities, trade exchanges and financial transactions.
Decision follows escalation in the Strait of Hormuz
The announcement comes after several days of heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
On August 14, the UAE condemned an Iranian attack targeting two tankers belonging to “ADNOC” while they were transiting the strait, confirming that no injuries were reported.
On August 15, the UAE also condemned an attack targeting another “ADNOC” vessel. The “Ministry of Foreign Affairs” described attacks on commercial shipping and the use of the Strait of Hormuz as a means of economic pressure as a direct threat to regional stability, energy security and the global economy.
Comprehensive suspension until further notice
The August 19 statement marks a significant development in economic relations between the two countries, with the UAE using broad language covering “all commercial activities, trade exchanges and financial transactions” with Iran until further notice. The published statement did not provide additional details on implementation mechanisms or whether specific sectors or existing transactions would be subject to separate arrangements. The decision places economic, commercial and financial relations between the UAE and Iran in a new phase, closely linked to the course of regional tensions and prospects for restoring security and stability.
