Abu Dhabi:
The United Arab Emirates said on Tuesday, August 18 that it has stopped all trade, business exchanges and financial activities with Iran until notice, a few hours after its air defense systems found two ballistic missiles that were launched from Irans area toward the country.
What happened
According to the UAE Ministry of Defense air defense systems found the missiles around 6:52 p.m. Time on Tuesday. One missile landed outside UAE waters while the other landed inside them; both landed in the sea. There were no reports of injuries or damage. The ministry said its analysis showed the missiles were aimed at ships traveling on the sea not at UAE land. The warning caused a short emergency message to be sent to peoples phones. The such warning in over five weeks. Before it was lifted soon after with officials saying the situation was safe.
UAE’s Response
Afra Al Hameli, head of the Strategic Communications Department at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the suspension of trade and financial dealings was made “because of tensions that hurt regional and international peace and security.” She also said the UAE does not agree with some claims about the state of UAE-Iran relationships while reiterating the UAEs support for talks working together and regional unity, as well as for the international financial system based on international law.
Iran Denies Launching Missiles
Irans Foreign Ministry said the UAEs statement was wrong. Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said the claim was against the idea of being neighbors and warned Gulf countries not to make what he called false accusations against Tehran instead blaming the complicated security situation in the region on actions by the United States and Israel.
Part of a problem
This event is the first missile attack on the UAE in several weeks after a big drop in Iranian attacks when a U.S.-Iran agreement came into effect in June. In the part of the five-month conflict, which started in late February the UAE was hit by nearly 3,000 missiles and drones from Iran. The most attacks any Gulf country has faced. In news the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said a cargo ship was hit by an unknown object while going through the Strait of Hormuz on August 15 causing damage and a crew injury.
Economic Significance
The stoppage is a drop in business relations between the two countries; Dubai has been a major place to send goods and move money from Iran making the UAEs decision very important for Tehran economically beyond just the immediate political effect.
Note: This report uses statements from UAE and Iranian officials as reported by international news agencies. Iran has said the main claim that the UAE based its decision, on is not true and the situation is changing.
