UAE Shuts Embassy In Tehran, Summons Iranian Envoy Over Missile Strikes

Last Updated:March 02, 2026, 07:15 IST

According to the defence ministry, the UAE detected 165 ballistic missiles, intercepting 152, and shot down more than 500 Iranian drones.

West Asia Conflict: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced to shut its embassy in Tehran and recall its ambassador, marking a sharp escalation in diplomatic tensions after Iran’s retaliatory missile and drone strikes killed four people in the Gulf state and injured dozens of others.

The UAE also summoned Iran’s Ambassador Reza Ameri and delivered what it described as a strongly worded note of protest, condemning the attacks “in the strongest terms."

In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the missile and drone barrage had targeted civilian sites, including residential areas, airports, ports and service facilities, placing innocent civilians at risk.

“These hostile attacks against civilian sites… endangered innocent civilians in a serious and irresponsible escalation," the ministry said, calling the strikes a blatant violation of the UAE’s sovereignty and a breach of international law and the UN Charter.

Minister of State Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar expressed the UAE’s “categorical rejection" of any justifications offered by Tehran, stressing that the attacks undermined principles of good neighbourliness and damaged efforts at de-escalation.

He warned of serious repercussions for bilateral relations, including political, economic and commercial ties, and said the UAE reserves the right to respond in accordance with international law.

The move comes after days of Iranian missile and drone strikes across the Gulf following US and Israeli air attacks on Iran. The UAE has borne the brunt of the campaign, with authorities reporting that three foreign nationals – from Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh – were killed since Saturday.

According to the defence ministry, the UAE detected 165 ballistic missiles, intercepting 152, and shot down more than 500 Iranian drones.

Explosions were heard for a second consecutive day in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with debris from intercepted drones injuring residents and damaging property. Fires were reported at prominent sites, including The Palm seafront development and the Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai.

Tehran also appeared to target a building complex in Abu Dhabi housing several foreign missions, including the Israeli embassy, where two people were injured by falling debris.

The UAE had fully reopened its embassy in Tehran in 2022 as part of a thaw in relations with Iran. Sunday’s decision to shut it again signals the most serious rupture in ties in recent years.

(With inputs from agencies)

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