UAE Condemns Israeli Aggression in Joint Statement With 20 Nations
UAE Joins Regional Allies to Denounce Israeli Strikes on Iran
In a strong diplomatic move, the United Arab Emirates joined 20 Arab and Islamic nations in condemning recent Israeli aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran. This joint statement, released on June 17, 2025, follows an Israeli military campaign that began on June 13. The strikes, which targeted Iranian territory, have triggered a sharp escalation of Middle East tensions.
The UAE and its regional partners have voiced grave concern over these developments. Their statement emphasizes the need to uphold international law, protect state sovereignty, and prevent a broader conflict. In doing so, these nations advocate for a diplomatic path forward—one that prioritizes peace, negotiation, and regional stability.
UAE and Arab-Islamic Countries Condemn Israeli Attacks on Iran
The joint declaration leaves no ambiguity. It condemns the Israeli military operations carried out against Iran since June 13. These actions, according to the statement, breach international law and the foundational principles of the United Nations Charter.
The UAE aligned itself with nations that believe such unilateral military actions threaten regional and global peace. By standing against the aggression, the UAE reinforces its commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes and opposition to the use of force in international affairs.
Support for Sovereignty and International Legal Norms
The joint statement strongly reaffirms the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states. This principle, rooted in the UN Charter, stands as a pillar of global order.
The UAE and its fellow signatories stress that military solutions undermine long-term peace. Instead, they call for adherence to legal norms, mutual respect among nations, and the resolution of disagreements through diplomacy—not war.
Growing Concern Over Middle East Tensions
With the region already facing multiple crises, the escalation between Israel and Iran poses serious risks. The joint statement reflects widespread alarm. The UAE and its partners warn that ongoing aggression could lead to dangerous consequences for the entire Middle East.
They call for an immediate halt to the Israeli attacks on Iran. They also urge global actors to intervene diplomatically to prevent the situation from deteriorating further. These calls highlight the urgency of calming tensions and avoiding actions that may fuel a broader conflict.
Call for a Nuclear-Weapons-Free Middle East
In addition to condemning the violence, the statement addresses long-term regional goals—chief among them is nuclear disarmament. The UAE and the 20 nations reiterated the urgent need to establish a Middle East free of nuclear weapons and all weapons of mass destruction.
They emphasized the importance of full adherence to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). The statement calls on all countries in the region, without exception, to join the treaty and commit to its principles.
The message is clear: eliminating nuclear threats is essential for achieving lasting peace and security in the region.
Warning Against Targeting Nuclear Facilities
Another critical concern raised in the joint statement was the safety of nuclear sites. The UAE and its allies condemned any potential attacks on nuclear facilities subject to IAEA safeguards.
Such actions, they warned, would violate international law and humanitarian standards set forth in the 1949 Geneva Convention. Nuclear facilities are civilian infrastructure, and any military targeting of them could result in catastrophic consequences.
The signatories stressed the importance of protecting these sites and respecting international monitoring mechanisms to ensure global nuclear safety.
Urging a Return to Iranian Nuclear Talks
The joint statement also reignited calls for renewed negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program. The UAE emphasized that diplomatic dialogue is the only viable path to a sustainable solution.
The statement supports resuming negotiations based on international law and transparency. Previous agreements, such as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), had aimed to limit Iran’s nuclear capabilities. However, with talks stalled, the UAE and its regional allies now stress the urgency of bringing all stakeholders back to the table.
Without dialogue, nuclear fears may return. The UAE’s message: diplomacy must replace confrontation.
Emphasizing Maritime Security and Free Navigation
Beyond land and air conflicts, the joint statement also addressed maritime concerns. The UAE and other nations underlined the importance of freedom of navigation in international waters.
They emphasized that all parties must respect international maritime law, particularly in high-risk areas such as the Strait of Hormuz. Any interference with maritime routes could threaten global trade and energy supplies.
By raising this issue, the UAE advocates for a secure environment not only for the Middle East but for international commerce and naval security.
Rejecting Military Solutions and Promoting Diplomacy
The UAE and its fellow signatories made their position clear: military action is not the solution. The joint statement reiterated that lasting peace in the Middle East can only come through diplomacy, dialogue, and mutual respect.
They called on all parties to commit to peaceful resolutions and to uphold the values of the UN Charter. For the UAE, this stance reflects its broader foreign policy objectives—focusing on regional cooperation, de-escalation, and long-term security through dialogue.
Historical Context: Israel-Iran Tensions and Previous Escalations
The tensions between Israel and Iran are not new. Over the years, both countries have been engaged in a shadow war, involving covert operations, cyber-attacks, and proxy conflicts in Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq. Iran’s nuclear program and Israel’s insistence on preventing it from progressing further have led to a cycle of threats and retaliation.
Israel claims its recent strikes were preemptive, targeting Iranian military build-ups. Iran, however, asserts its right to self-defense and insists the attacks violated international norms. The broader Arab and Islamic world views the current wave of aggression as a dangerous escalation that risks pulling in neighboring countries and destabilizing the wider region.
UAE’s Diplomatic Role in Regional Stability
The UAE has consistently positioned itself as a proponent of regional diplomacy. In recent years, it has normalized ties with Israel under the Abraham Accords, while simultaneously maintaining dialogue with Iran. This balanced approach has enabled the UAE to emerge as a credible mediator and advocate for peaceful resolution of conflicts.
By joining this joint statement, the UAE signals its dissatisfaction with Israel’s unilateral military actions while also reinforcing its commitment to regional peace. This move strengthens the UAE’s standing in the international community as a country that values multilateralism, dialogue, and adherence to international law.
The Role of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
The GCC, of which the UAE is a founding member, plays a crucial role in shaping collective regional responses. The recent joint statement aligns with the GCC’s overarching goals of ensuring stability, promoting economic cooperation, and safeguarding sovereignty among member states. The bloc has consistently advocated for peaceful resolutions and a nuclear-free Gulf, supporting broader Middle Eastern disarmament.
The UAE’s actions within this framework underscore a larger Gulf consensus: that regional peace cannot be achieved through military escalation. Instead, diplomatic engagement with both allies and adversaries must drive the path forward.
Reactions from Global Powers and the United Nations
The United Nations issued a formal appeal for restraint, calling upon both Israel and Iran to de-escalate immediately and return to dialogue. The UN Secretary-General emphasized the importance of respecting international borders and avoiding actions that could endanger civilian populations.
The European Union expressed strong concern, with several EU foreign ministers urging all parties to recommit to the JCPOA and avoid military provocations. The EU has historically supported a multilateral approach to the Iranian nuclear issue and has reiterated its commitment to nuclear non-proliferation.
The United States, while maintaining strategic ties with Israel, has called for restraint and is reportedly engaging diplomatically with both Tel Aviv and Tehran. American officials have voiced support for restoring the JCPOA but have also underscored the importance of addressing regional security concerns in parallel.
Importance of the Strait of Hormuz in Global Trade
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway linking the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea, is one of the most critical maritime chokepoints in the world. Over 20% of global petroleum passes through this strait. Any conflict that disrupts its security can have cascading effects on global oil prices, supply chains, and maritime insurance costs.
The UAE’s emphasis on maritime security stems from its strategic geography and economic interests. Ensuring the free flow of commerce through these international waters is not just a regional priority—it is a global imperative. By highlighting this in the joint statement, the UAE underscores its role as a responsible stakeholder in global economic stability.
International Law and the Geneva Conventions
The repeated reference to international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions in the joint statement serves as a reminder of the legal frameworks that govern wartime conduct. These laws prohibit attacks on civilian infrastructure, including nuclear facilities, and require all parties to minimize harm to civilians.
The UAE and its partners have invoked these conventions to hold parties accountable and call for transparency. Respecting these laws is not only a legal obligation but a moral one—aimed at protecting lives and upholding the rules-based international order.
