In a strong response to recent volatility in the region, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday condemned a series of missile and drone strikes targeting the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Prime Minister emphasized the critical need for diplomatic engagement to address ongoing tensions and urged all parties to uphold the fragile ceasefire currently in place between the United States and Iran.
The attacks, which occurred on Monday, saw the UAE intercepting a significant barrage of weaponry. According to official reports, 12 ballistic missiles, three cruise missiles, and four drones launched from Iran were successfully intercepted. Despite these defensive efforts, the strikes caused minor injuries to three individuals and ignited a fire at an oil refinery in the eastern emirate of Fujairah, highlighting the vulnerability of critical energy infrastructure to such incursions.
The international community is closely monitoring the situation as Iran has neither explicitly confirmed nor denied responsibility for the strikes. State media IRIB cited a military source stating that Tehran had no plans to target the UAE, adding a layer of complexity to the diplomatic efforts to determine the origin and intent of the attacks.
Taking to social media platform X, Prime Minister Sharif expressed his condemnation clearly, stating, "Pakistan strongly condemns the missile and drone attacks on civilian infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates last night."
For business professionals and investors in the Asian and Middle Eastern markets, these events underscore the continuing risks associated with regional instability. The call for de-escalation reflects a broader desire among regional powers to prevent a wider conflict that could disrupt global trade and energy security.
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Pakistan condemns attacks on UAE, urges diplomatic de-escalation
cgtn.com
