A senior UAE official has warned that continued attacks on Gulf states could force the region to move beyond its current defensive stance, emphasizing that restraint must not be interpreted as weakness.
Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Defense, Interior, and Foreign Affairs Committee at the Federal National Council, said Gulf coordination is operating at a high level to assess developments and determine potential responses.
In an interview with Sky News Arabia, he stated that the Gulf states’ commitment to passive defense has clear limits.
“It is very important that the Iranian side realizes that the Gulf states’ commitment to passive defense has its limits,” he said, adding that continued aggression against citizens, residents, and civilian facilities would not be tolerated indefinitely.
Gulf Coordination and Strategic Restraint
Al Nuaimi emphasized that Gulf countries are working collectively to avoid being drawn into a broader conflict, particularly one that would harm the Iranian people.
He reiterated that the UAE seeks long-term regional stability and does not aim to escalate tensions. However, he made clear that the country will act decisively to protect its sovereignty and the safety of its residents if required.
At the same time, Al Nuaimi argued that Iran’s public messaging about respecting international law and maintaining good neighbourly relations stands in stark contrast to its recent actions.
Allegations of Betrayal and Credibility Loss
Al Nuaimi stressed that Gulf states had explicitly pledged not to allow their territories to be used to launch attacks against Iran. However, he described the recent strikes as a direct betrayal of that commitment.
In particular, he pointed to attacks affecting Oman, a country that has long played a mediating role in regional diplomacy. He said the incident shocked even those who had previously shown sympathy toward Tehran.
Moreover, Al Nuaimi openly challenged Iran’s claim that it bears no responsibility for attacks launched from its own territory.
“If the Foreign Minister says that his country is not responsible for the attacks launched from it, then we are either facing highway robbers or a state that has lost its credibility,” he said.
According to Al Nuaimi, these developments reinforce long-standing regional concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme, ballistic missile capabilities, and its support for armed groups.
Civilian Infrastructure Targeted
Al Nuaimi stated that recent strikes have targeted civilian infrastructure rather than military bases.
Specifically, he said airports and densely populated areas across the region were hit, describing the actions as deliberate attempts to generate media impact rather than achieve clear military objectives.
Nevertheless, he affirmed that the UAE and other Gulf states will maintain their political stance and continue prioritising the safety and security of all residents.
Message to Residents and the Region
Al Nuaimi praised the response of the UAE’s diverse population, saying residents of different nationalities have expressed solidarity and support for the country.
He affirmed that the UAE remains committed to preserving security and stability.
“I assure everyone that this region will remain safe,” he said. “We will not allow anyone to destabilize it or tamper with its security.”
Dr. Ali Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Defence Affairs, Interior and Foreign Affairs Committee, UAE Federal National Council. Photo: Shihab
Source: KT
