This is truly an unprecedented moment for us. This is something that we have been trying to avoid over the past few weeks and months, as we have been encouraging dialogue and de-escalation. Unfortunately, we are currently in a situation where Iran, through completely unjustified and illegal measures, has launched attacks not only against the UAE, but also against the rest of the Persian Gulf and beyond. This is something that we do not accept.
This was stated in an interview with CNN by the Minister of State for International Cooperation H.E. Reem Al Hashimi.
We have one of the best defense systems in the world and we are confident that we will be able to continue to support our infrastructure and protect the people who live here, the minister said.
Therefore, I think it is important to confirm to the people of the UAE, both foreigners and citizens, that we have one of the best missile defense systems in the world and that we are doing everything we can to continue to be safe.
A lot of the damage is from debris, not direct missile or drone strikes, Reem Al Hashimi reassured.
So, whatever actions the Iranians take, we will be ready for it. Of course, we do not want further escalation of the conflict.
We call for calm and moderate reactions. But, as we noted earlier, over 137 ballistic missiles and over 200 drones have been shot down by the UAE's defense system, Reem Al Hashimi pointed out.
We continue to call for de-escalation. We are working with our partners around the world and we are receiving from them not only assurances of support and coordination, but also strong condemnation of the fact that this has acquired a much greater regional significance, actually affecting other Gulf countries, the Minister of State for International Cooperation summarized.
She pointed out that before the latest crisis began, the UAE had clearly indicated that it would not allow its territory to be used to attack Iran. We have always encouraged dialogue and we wanted to make sure that it would not come to that, because our region does not need another war, reiterated Reem al-Hashimi.
And in fact, the ball is in Iran's court right now, on how they want to deal with a country and a neighbor that has traditionally been a very fair and good neighbor to them as well.
The door to diplomacy has never been closed. We continue to look for other ways, other security measures that are beneficial to this larger region, the Minister of State pointed out.
Iran is our neighbor, it will always be our neighbor from a geographical point of view, but we also share very similar ecosystems in a very close and closely connected region.
And at this stage you see a series of attacks not only against the UAE, but also against other countries in the Persian Gulf, Jordan, Iraq, etc. And this is a massive escalation by Tehran against its traditional neighbors, noted Reem al-Hashimi.
The UAE does not interfere in the way different countries are governed, nor in the way different countries choose their governments.
We want a friendly neighbor who wants to live in peace with us and with the surrounding regions, and we hope that we will eventually get to that.
So the future of Iran must be determined by the Iranian people themselves, said Reem al-Hashimi.
We have a very strong strategic relationship with the United States and a strong relationship with President Trump.
They are our allies and our friends. Likewise, we have strong partnerships with countries in the region, but also beyond.
And right now, the goal is to find a way out of yet another conflict and war in this part of the world that has already experienced too much, said Reem al-Hashimi.
I want to emphasize that you are in safe hands with leaders who care about you and who will do everything they can to ensure that this security continues, said Reem al-Hashimi.
And we will indeed do everything we can to make sure that this continues to be the case for all our citizens and residents.