DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has temporarily closed its airspace after reports of incoming missile and drone threats from Iran, according to the country’s defence ministry.
The UAE’s civil aviation authority said the closure is precautionary and temporary. The decision came shortly after major airlines, including Etihad Airways and Emirates, had resumed some flight operations, BBC reported.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the United Kingdom after Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that Britain would not be drawn into a broader war involving Iran.
Trump also renewed his call for other countries—particularly members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization—to assist in securing the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global oil shipments. He said he was surprised that more world leaders were not eager to take part in safeguarding the vital maritime corridor.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the ongoing conflict was “not a matter for Nato,” while the alliance stated that its members had already increased security measures in the Mediterranean region.
At the same time, leaders from the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany and Italy issued a joint statement warning that a large-scale Israeli ground offensive in Lebanon could have devastating humanitarian consequences.
Earlier, the Israel Defense Forces said it had launched a “wide-scale wave of strikes” targeting Iranian cities including Tehran, Shiraz and Tabriz. Video footage reviewed by BBC Verify showed visible damage in Iran’s capital following the attacks.
(Inputs from BBC)
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