09/03/2026
Widespread Condemnation and Regional Implications
The Iranian aggression against the United Arab Emirates has sparked widespread condemnation and raised questions regarding its characterization under international law, and whether it constitutes a threat or an actual act of aggression. This event has also reignited the debate on the extent of states' commitment to the United Nations Charter and their respect for national sovereignty. In this context, legal experts assert that the repercussions of this violation extend beyond the targeted state to pose a direct threat to regional security and stability in the strategically and economically significant Gulf region.
Legal Perspective: Violation of the UN Charter
Lawyer Bader Abdullah Khamis confirmed that the Iranian aggression against the UAE is a clear violation of international law and Article 2 of the UN Charter, as it compromises the state's sovereignty and territorial integrity while violating the prohibition on the use of force. He explained that this behaviour constitutes a serious breach of the principle of mutual respect for sovereignty, which is a fundamental pillar for the stability of the international system and international relations. He added that the implications of such aggressions are not limited to the targeted state, but go beyond it to threaten regional and international security and stability, necessitating a firm international stance.
He pointed out that international law provides the UAE with options to respond, most notably by resorting to diplomatic and legal avenues to document the violations and present them to competent international institutions, such as the Security Council, to enforce international accountability. These options also include activating legal mechanisms to demand deterrent measures against the aggressor state, while simultaneously emphasizing the state's inherent and legitimate right to self-defense within international parameters. He concluded by asserting that the UAE's honourable record of adherence to international law strongly reinforces its position, and that relying on these legal tools remains the optimal means to protect its sovereignty and rights on the international stage.
Threats to Global Security and Economic Stability
Lawyer Maitha Al Balushi affirmed that attacking the sovereignty of any state, particularly in the Gulf region, poses a direct threat to regional security and violates the fundamental rules of the international system, which are based on non-interference and respect for sovereignty. She clarified that international law considers the security of vital regions like the Gulf an integral part of global collective security. This makes any aggression in the area a danger that surpasses the affected state to impact the security of global navigation, trade, and the international economy.
She added that adhering to the rules of international law and respecting state sovereignty are the two primary guarantees for supporting regional stability and preventing the escalation of conflicts. In this context, she noted that the UAE serves as a role model in its commitment to international laws, thanks to its consistent approach of supporting cooperation and the principles of good neighborliness. In conclusion, she stressed the necessity of confronting these attacks through a legal approach and the documentation of violations, rather than settling solely for a political response. Doing so will strengthen the position of the affected state and highlight the broader risks threatening regional stability.
