The ceasefire in the Gulf is holding but only just, according to reports. British Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Edward Hobart described the fragile pause as the only thing standing between contained tension and renewed escalation. The region is suspended in a narrow gap between conflict and diplomacy, sources indicate.
The strategic Strait of Hormuz, a 33-kilometre-wide waterway, carries a significant share of the world's oil supply, according to sources. Its security has become a geopolitical priority, with over 50 countries taking part in efforts to maintain international thoroughfares open and flowing, sources indicate. The strait's status remains unclear amid the current tensions.
Recent talks between the UK Foreign Secretary and the UAE Foreign Minister focused on the current regional situation and Iran, according to Ambassador Hobart. The UK and UAE agreed a framework of cooperation including work in foreign policy, defence, AI, energy transition, and tackling global crime and illicit finance. Hobart characterized the recent attacks as unprecedented, unwarranted and hugely dangerous, risking lives.
A simple ceasefire is not enough.
The UAE's defensive systems intercepted 95% of the projectiles fired at this country, Hobart stated. The UK's response has been deliberately controlled, with support without escalation, according to reports.
International maritime security efforts involve numerous nations working to keep vital shipping lanes operational. The participation of over 50 countries underscores the global importance of maintaining open sea routes through the region. These efforts continue despite the heightened military tensions.
The US-Israeli offensive dubbed 'Operation Epic Fury' killed Iran's ruler Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28, according to reports. This targeted strike represented a significant escalation in the ongoing regional conflict.
Iran has launched more than 2,180 missiles and drones at the Emirates, far more than at any other country.
Iran responded to the American and Israeli attacks almost immediately, raining missile and drone strikes across the United Arab Emirates, even hitting Dubai International Airport, reports indicate. The retaliation was swift and widespread, targeting multiple locations within the UAE.
The attacks severely impacted UAE airports, with drone debris damaging Dubai International Airport and forcing it to close for three consecutive days. A projectile struck the luxury Fairmont The Palm in Dubai, igniting a blaze. Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport suffered strikes but has begun cautiously restoring operations. Hundreds of thousands of travelers were stranded as flights were grounded in the UAE.
Limited resumption of airline operations has begun, with Etihad Airways resuming limited departures from Abu Dhabi while Emirates restarted select services from Dubai. The UAE government has pledged to cover food and accommodation costs for more than 20,000 stranded passengers. Emirati airspace would continue to open intermittently to limited flights, but every rebooked flight would eventually get canceled, according to reports.
Abu Dhabi's $1.4 trillion investment commitment to the US.
Personal stories illustrate the human impact of the travel disruptions. Shanice Day was stranded in Dubai after the conflict began, with her return flight canceled as the UAE closed its airspace. Day and her friend eventually made it home to Houston, Texas, by first flying to Australia. Jenna Fonberg and Jetlyn Toledo landed at Ben Gurion Airport the day before Israel and the U.S. hit Iran.
In Qatar, authorities intercepted multiple Iranian attacks targeting civilian infrastructure, including near Doha's Hamad International Airport, according to reports. The US and UK have instructed their citizens to shelter in place in Qatar, while Australia and Canada have issued 'do not travel' warnings. Some travelers are driving across borders to Oman, where airports remain operational. The US State Department urged its citizens to 'depart now' from 14 Middle Eastern countries.
Historical context shows ties between the UAE and Israel were formalised as part of the Abraham Accords in 2020. This normalization agreement established diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Questioned the silence of the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation regarding Iranian aggression.
Key unknowns remain about the ceasefire terms being discussed in negotiations and how many casualties or injuries have resulted from the Iranian attacks on the UAE and Qatar. The current status of the Strait of Hormuz—whether it is open or closed, and to what extent—also remains unclear. The exact number of countries affected by the regional conflict and which ones are involved has not been confirmed.
Additional uncertainties include what specific military or diplomatic steps the UAE is advocating for as a 'conclusive outcome' against Iran. UAE ambassador to the US Yousef al-Otaiba stated that 'a simple ceasefire is not enough,' calling for more decisive action. Anwar Gargash, adviser to the UAE's president, questioned the silence of the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation regarding Iranian aggression.
The implications of this escalation include increased regional instability and global energy security concerns. The attacks on critical infrastructure like airports and the targeting of the Strait of Hormuz region threaten international trade routes.
Reactions have involved diplomatic maneuvering and calls for decisive action. The UK-UAE cooperation framework represents one diplomatic response to the crisis. Meanwhile, the UAE has emphasized its substantial economic ties, with ambassador al-Otaiba referencing Abu Dhabi's $1.4 trillion investment commitment to the US.