Tehran has rejected Abu Dhabi’s allegation, adding another layer of tension to an already volatile situation in the region. UAE foreign ministry communications director Afra Al Hameli said, “In light of regional escalations... all trade, commercial exchanges, and financial transactions with Iran have been halted until further notice.”
The first UAE statement came nearly two hours after a brief phone alert warned residents of a potential missile threat. “Due to the current situation, potential missile threats, immediately seek a safe place in the closest secure building,” the interior ministry said in the phone alert, which was lifted shortly afterwards.