The United Arab Emirates announced on Sunday that it is closing its embassy in Tehran and recalling its ambassador, citing a barrage of Iranian missile attacks targeting Emirati territory.
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In a statement posted by the foreign ministry’s director of strategic communications on X, the UAE said it had decided to withdraw its ambassador and all diplomatic staff from Tehran. The move comes amid escalating regional tensions following recent strikes between Iran, the United States and Israel.
الإمارات تعلن إغلاق سفارتها في طهران وسحب سفيرها وكافة أعضاء بعثتها الدبلوماسية وتدين الاعتداءات الصاروخية الإيرانيةhttps://t.co/UvHjydujvl pic.twitter.com/xRdeqJx2Bq
— MoFA وزارة الخارجية (@mofauae) March 1, 2026
“The UAE announces closure of its embassy in Tehran and withdrawal of its ambassador and all members of its diplomatic mission, and condemns the Iranian missile attacks,” the statement said.
According to the foreign ministry, the decision was taken in response to what it described as “blatant Iranian missile attacks” that struck civilian areas across the country. The statement said the attacks targeted residential neighbourhoods, airports, ports and service facilities, placing unarmed civilians at risk.
The diplomatic rupture marks a sharp deterioration in relations between the two Gulf neighbours, who have maintained complex ties shaped by trade, regional security concerns and broader geopolitical rivalries.
The closure of the embassy follows days of heightened military activity in the Gulf region, including air strikes and retaliatory missile launches that have disrupted transport links and raised concerns about further escalation.
While the UAE did not specify how long the embassy would remain closed, the move signals a significant escalation in diplomatic measures as the country reassesses its security posture. Officials have not announced whether additional steps, such as economic or travel restrictions, are under consideration.
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Regional observers say the decision underscores the fragile security environment and the risk of further fallout if hostilities continue.