From Arab world to Paris: World leaders unite against Iran’s strikes on UAE
The coordinated response highlights growing concern over stability in the Gulf, as governments across the Middle East and beyond expressed solidarity with the UAE
05 May, 2026
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A wave of international condemnation has followed Iran’s missile and drone attacks targeting civilian and economic facilities in the UAE, with global leaders and organisations denouncing the strikes as violations of international law and a dangerous escalation in regional tensions.
The coordinated response highlights growing concern over stability in the Gulf, as governments across the Middle East and beyond expressed solidarity with the UAE and called for restraint, diplomacy, and adherence to international norms.
Religious and regional bodies denounce ‘criminal attacks’
The Muslim World League (MWL) strongly condemned the strikes, describing them as a breach of both religious values and humanitarian principles.
In a statement issued by its General Secretariat, Sheikh Dr Mohammed Al Issa, secretary-general of the MWL and chairman of the Organisation of Muslim Scholars, denounced the attacks, calling them “criminal” and in violation of “all religious values and international and humanitarian laws and norms,” according to a WAM report.
He stressed the organisation’s full support for the UAE, stating solidarity with “all measures it takes to safeguard its security, sovereignty, and the safety of its citizens and residents.”
Western leaders voice strong opposition
Condemnation also came swiftly from Western leaders, who underscored their support for the UAE and the protection of civilian infrastructure.
Canada strongly criticised the attacks, with prime minister Mark Carney describing them as unprovoked. “We stand in solidarity with and the people of the United Arab Emirates and commend defensive efforts to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure,” he said in a post on X.
French president Emmanuel Macron echoed similar concerns, calling the strikes “unjustified and unacceptable” while reaffirming France’s commitment to regional allies.
“As it has done since the start of the conflict, France will continue to support its allies in the Emirates and in the region for the defence of their territory,” Macron said.
He also urged renewed diplomatic efforts, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz to ensure free maritime movement and pursuing a comprehensive security agreement for the region. Macron pointed to ongoing concerns surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme, ballistic capabilities, and broader regional activities.
UK calls for de-escalation and diplomacy
The UK joined the chorus of criticism, with prime minister Keir Starmer condemning the escalation and urging a return to negotiations.
“We stand in solidarity with the UAE and will continue to support the defence of our partners in the Gulf. This escalation must cease. Iran needs to engage meaningfully in negotiations to ensure the ceasefire in the Middle East endures, and a long-term diplomatic solution is achieved,” Starmer said, according to his office.
Strong reactions across the Arab world
Across the region, Arab nations issued firm statements condemning the attacks and reaffirming their support for the UAE.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its denunciation “in the strongest terms,” highlighting that the strikes targeted both civilian infrastructure and a tanker belonging to an Emirati company.
“The kingdom affirms its support for the sisterly UAE in the measures it takes to preserve its sovereignty, security and territorial integrity,” the statement said, while urging Iran to halt its actions and comply with international law and UN Security Council resolutions.
Jordan also condemned the attacks, describing them as a “flagrant violation” of UAE sovereignty and a serious threat to regional stability.
In a statement, the Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates affirmed its “absolute solidarity” with the UAE, backing all steps taken to protect its security and the safety of its citizens and residents.
Bahrain joined the growing list of nations denouncing the strikes, with its Ministry of Foreign Affairs describing the attacks as “terrorist” and a dangerous escalation that threatens regional security and stability.
The Ministry said the targeting of civilian sites using cruise missiles and drones constituted a “flagrant violation” of international law, the principles of good neighbourliness, and UN Security Council Resolution 2817, as well as the declared ceasefire.
It reaffirmed Bahrain’s full solidarity with the UAE, citing the “close historical fraternal ties” between the two nations, and expressed wishes for a speedy recovery for those injured.
The statement also urged the international community, particularly the UN Security Council, to take “firm and deterrent” action against repeated attacks, stressing the need to protect civilians, safeguard vital infrastructure, ensure global energy security, and maintain safe maritime navigation.
The widespread condemnation reflects mounting alarm over the potential for further escalation in the region. Leaders across continents have called for restraint and a renewed commitment to diplomacy, warning that continued attacks could undermine security and disrupt critical economic and maritime routes.
As international pressure builds, the UAE continues to receive strong backing from allies, reinforcing a unified message: attacks on civilian infrastructure and sovereignty will not be tolerated, and efforts toward a lasting diplomatic resolution must take priority.
