Abu Dhabi, UAE – The United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, and the United States of America strongly condemned the attacks launched by the Islamic Republic of Iran using missiles and drones against several countries in the region. They considered these attacks a dangerous escalation, a blatant violation of national sovereignty, and a direct threat to regional stability.
Condemnation of targeting sovereign territories
The joint statement affirmed that the attacks targeted the sovereign territories of the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. It noted that these unjustified strikes endangered civilians and damaged civilian infrastructure.
The signatory states stressed that targeting civilians and countries not engaged in hostilities is a reckless act that destabilizes the region and undermines the prospects for de-escalation.
A dangerous escalation threatens regional stability.
The countries considered Iran’s actions a dangerous escalation that violates the sovereignty of several states and undermines the principles of international law. They emphasized that the continuation of such attacks would widen the scope of tension in the region and threaten the security of navigation and vital installations.
They also affirmed that the security and sovereignty of states are a red line, and that any aggression against their territories will be met with a unified stance that preserves stability and safeguards national interests.
Affirming the right to self-defense and praising defense cooperation
The statement reaffirmed the commitment to stand united in defense of citizens and national sovereignty, emphasizing the full and legitimate right to self-defense against these attacks.
It commended the effective cooperation in air and missile defense among the countries involved. This cooperation has contributed to minimizing casualties and reducing the extent of damage. It also affirmed the shared commitment to maintaining regional security and enhancing coordination to counter any future threats.
