The United Arab Emirates has suspended all trade, commercial exchanges and financial transactions with Iran until further notice, citing rising regional tensions and concerns over threats to regional and international security.
UAE Foreign Ministry Communications Director Afra Al Hameli said the decision is aimed at protecting regional stability and maintaining the integrity of the international financial system in accordance with international law and global standards.
The announcement came after the UAE said its air defence systems detected two ballistic missiles launched from Iran towards the Gulf.
UAE Defence Ministry later said both missiles were assessed to have been targeting maritime navigation and fallen into the sea. UAE said it remains committed to dialogue, cooperation and regional integration as a means of promoting peace and stability.
Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei “categorically rejected the United Arab Emirates’ claim that Iran had launched a missile toward that country”, calling it harmful to regional trust and security efforts.
However, Tehran has warned that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until a peace agreement is reached with the United States. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital international shipping route for vessels leaving UAE ports and other Gulf countries.
The latest measures mark a significant escalation in tensions between the UAE and Iran.