A diplomatic mission of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Iraq was struck by a drone attack early Tuesday, just hours after the Gulf nation expressed concern about being “unfairly targeted” in the ongoing Middle East conflict.
The drone strike hit the UAE consulate in Iraq’s Kurdish region, causing structural damage to the building. Officials confirmed that no injuries or fatalities were reported in the incident.
The attack comes against the backdrop of rapidly intensifying regional hostilities that began after coordinated military operations by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28. The conflict has now stretched beyond ten days, though US President Donald Trump has suggested that the military campaign could soon wind down.
UAE, Saudi condemn attack on diplomatic mission
Reacting to the incident, the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly denounced the strike, calling it a “dangerous escalation” that threatens regional peace and stability. In an official statement, the ministry stressed that attacks on diplomatic facilities represent a clear violation of international law and diplomatic conventions. While condemning the assault, UAE authorities did not identify who launched the drone or specify where it originated.
The strike occurred a day after the UAE complained that it was being targeted “in an unwarranted manner” despite not participating in military operations against Iran. It has repeatedly stated that it seeks to avoid participation in the ongoing conflict.
الإمارات تدين بأشد العبارات استهداف القنصلية العامة في كردستان العراقhttps://t.co/sZdQ9a2TUH pic.twitter.com/qSnMB29SSy
— MoFA وزارة الخارجية (@mofauae) March 9, 2026
Saudi Arabia has also issued a strong condemnation following the assault on the United Arab Emirates’ Consulate General in Iraq. The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its firm disapproval of the strike, characterising the “repeated targeting” of diplomatic premises as a “clear violation” of international law.
Australia steps in with defensive support for UAE
Amid growing security concerns, Australia has announced that it will deploy military assets to help strengthen the UAE’s defensive capabilities.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that the country would send aircraft and missile systems to the region as a precautionary measure.
“Our involvement is purely defensive,” Albanese said, adding that the deployment aims to protect Australians in the region and support partners in the United Arab Emirates.
As part of the move, Australia will dispatch a Boeing-built E-7A Wedgetail airborne early warning and control system aircraft, which will operate over the Gulf for an initial four-week period to monitor airspace and provide early threat detection.
Australia will also supply advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles to the UAE. The decision follows a high-level phone conversation between Albanese and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, during which both leaders discussed regional security concerns.