The United Arab Emirates has announced the closure of its embassy in Tehran and the recall of its ambassador and diplomatic staff, citing Iranian missile attacks that targeted Emirati territory.

In a statement posted on X, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the decision was taken in response to what it described as blatant missile strikes by Iran.

The ministry said all members of the diplomatic mission in Tehran were being withdrawn with immediate effect.

Afra Al Hameli, Director of Strategic Communication at the foreign ministry, strongly condemned the attacks, saying they struck civilian locations and endangered innocent lives. She said residential areas, airports, ports and service facilities were among the sites affected.

“The attacks constitute a serious and irresponsible escalation, a flagrant violation of national sovereignty, and a clear breach of international law and the Charter of the United Nations,” Al Hameli said in her statement.

The ministry said the move reflected the UAE’s firm stance against any aggression that threatens its security and sovereignty.

It added that continued hostile and provocative actions were undermining de-escalation efforts and pushing the region toward a dangerous trajectory.

The development is expected to further strain UAE-Iran relations and has raised fresh concerns about regional peace and stability in the Gulf, as well as broader implications for energy security and the global economy.