‘Your war isn’t with us, return to senses’: UAE warns Iran over ‘aggression against Gulf states’

The United Arab Emirates on Sunday issued a sharp warning to Iran for showing aggression against the Gulf states. It warned Iran to “return to its senses” and engage with neighbouring countries in a responsible manner amid escalating tensions in West Asia.

Anwar Gargash, senior diplomatic adviser to UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, reminded Iran that its war is not with neighbours. He said that Iran’s recent attack on Gulf states had backfired and further isolated Tehran at a critical juncture.

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Gargash highlighted that Tehran’s actions reinforce the perception among many countries that Iran is a “primary source of danger” in the region and that its missile programme remains a persistent threat to stability.

“Return to your senses, to your surroundings, and deal with your neighbours with reason and responsibility before the circle of isolation and escalation widens,” Gargash added.

Dubai’s landmark Burj Al Arab suffered damage after debris from an intercepted Iranian drone sparked a fire amid escalating Iran–Israel tensions, with dramatic visuals emerging from the Gulf region.#Dubai #BurjAlArab #IranIsraelConflict #MiddleEastCrisis #TheStatesman pic.twitter.com/5GGkanKIJn

— The Statesman (@TheStatesmanLtd) March 1, 2026

His remarks came as Abu Dhabi confirmed that its air defence systems intercepted a barrage of Iranian missiles and drones targeting the UAE. According to the Government of Dubai Media Office, debris from intercepted drones fell in the courtyards of two homes in Dubai, injuring two people. Authorities said the injured received medical treatment and clarified that loud sounds heard across the emirate were the result of successful interception operations.

| Missiles struck parts of downtown Dubai and Dubai Hills, with dramatic visuals showing projectiles lighting up the night sky over the city.#downtown #Dubai #MissileAttack #Iran #IsraelIranConflict #MiddleEastCrisis

[Middle east crisis, downtown Dubai, Dubai Hills Missile… pic.twitter.com/kaESbR1Mp8

— The Statesman (@TheStatesmanLtd) February 28, 2026

Earlier today, the UAE Ministry of Defence announced that its Air Force and Air Defence Forces had intercepted and destroyed 137 ballistic missiles and 209 drones launched towards the country since the start of the Iranian attack. Of the 137 missiles detected, 132 were destroyed, and 5 fell into the sea. Of the 209 drones, 195 were intercepted while 14 fell within the country’s territory and waters, causing limited collateral damage.

Also read: One killed in UAE as Iran targets American bases in Middle East in response to US-Israeli strikes