The United Arab Emirates (UAE) was subjected to a large-scale missile and drone attack from Iran on Monday (May 4), breaking the nearly four-week ceasefire. This action has triggered strong condemnation from the international community, with the EU, Germany, UK, France, Middle Eastern countries, and other regional organizations issuing statements warning that Iran’s actions have seriously threatened the region’s security and stability.
According to data released by the UAE Ministry of Defense, its air defense system successfully intercepted 12 ballistic missiles, 3 cruise missiles, and 4 drones on Monday.
This is the most serious escalation in the region since the ceasefire agreement between the U.S. and Iran took effect on April 8. The targets of the attacks included civil infrastructure, leading to a major fire at the vital energy hub of Fujairah on the east coast of the UAE.
In addition, Iran also carried out attacks on a UAE oil tanker. The tanker, operated by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), was hit by two drones while passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Countries in the Middle East have expressed deep concern over the situation. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman condemned the “unjustified attacks” in a call with UAE President and reiterated Saudi Arabia’s full support in maintaining the UAE’s national security and stability.
The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement regarding the attack on the oil tanker, condemning it as a “blatant violation of international law and the principles of freedom of navigation,” as well as a “serious violation” of UN Security Council Resolution 2817.
The Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs described these attacks as a blatant violation of the UAE’s sovereignty, posing a dangerous escalation that threatens its security, stability, and territorial integrity. Egypt also released a statement supporting the UAE and warning Iran that these attacks represent a dangerous escalation, hindering efforts to calm the situation and de-escalate, while openly violating principles of international law and the UN Charter.
The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, emphasized that this act of aggression reflects Iran’s “disregard for international legal norms and the principle of good neighborliness.”
Western leaders have also spoken out simultaneously.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated firmly on social media: “Tehran must return to the negotiation table, stop using the region and the world as hostages: the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz must end.”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed steadfast support for Gulf partners, stating, “This escalation must stop. Iran needs to engage in meaningful dialogues to ensure the ceasefire in the Middle East continues and achieve a long-term diplomatic solution.”
French President Emmanuel Macron described the attacks on civilian facilities as “senseless and unacceptable,” specifically pointing out the threats posed by Iran in terms of nuclear activities, ballistic missile capability, and regional destabilization.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, warned that “the security of the region is directly linked to Europe” and that the EU will continue to push for a diplomatic solution.
Currently, the conflict behind this incident reflects the fragility of the ceasefire agreement. While Pakistan had facilitated a ceasefire in early April, subsequent negotiations have not made progress, and shipping in the Strait of Hormuz has yet to resume.
On Monday, the U.S. officially launched the “Freedom Plan,” with the core goal of breaking the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and guiding and protecting the safe passage of international commercial ships through the waterway.