UAE President, King Mohammed VI call for dialogue amid Iran’s brutal Gulf attacks

2026-03-16 - 06:37

As Iran’s aggressive attacks on Gulf states continue, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, discussed the regional situation during a phone call with King Mohammed VI. They focused on the serious repercussions of these attacks on regional and international security and stability. The two leaders emphasized “the need to prioritize serious dialogue and diplomatic means in addressing the region’s issues, in order to preserve its security and stability and ensure the safety of its people.” King Mohammed VI reiterated his condemnation of the attacks, describing them as violations of state sovereignty and international conventions, and affirmed Morocco’s solidarity with the UAE regarding the measures it is taking to protect its security and citizens. In response to accusations by Abbas Araqchi that the UAE had attacked Iran, Anwar Gargash said the claim reflects “a confused policy that has missed the mark, lost its compass, and lacked wisdom.” He wrote on the X platform, “After 1909 brutal Iranian attacks on the Emirates, Mr. Abbas Araqchi comes out to accuse the Emirates of attacking Iran, as part of a confused policy that has missed the mark, lost its compass, and lacked wisdom.” Gargash stressed that “the UAE has the right to defend itself in the face of this imposed terrorist aggression, but it still prioritizes reason and logic, continues to exercise restraint, and is looking for a way out for Iran and the region.” He also noted that targeting Gulf Arab states “reveals Iranian military weakness, moral bankruptcy and political isolation,” adding that “misleading Iranian media statements will not cover up this fact.” On the ground, UAE air defenses intercepted ballistic missiles and 33 drones launched by Iran. In addition, Hamad Saif Al Shamsi ordered the arrest of 25 people of different nationalities and their referral to urgent trial for publishing and circulating misleading digital content that threatened public security and stability. In Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Defense spokesman, Brigadier General Anwar Al-Maliki, announced the interception and destruction of 27 drones in Riyadh and Eastern regions, and 6 ballistic missiles launched toward Al-Kharj Governorate. Qatar and Bahrain also reported successfully intercepting Iranian ballistic missiles and drones. The Bahraini Ministry of Interior confirmed that its Cybercrime Directorate arrested 6 people for publishing clips supporting the Iranian attacks, spreading false news, and inciting attacks on sites within the kingdom.