New Delhi, Mar 17: The United Arab Emirates intermittently continues to close its airspace following what the country’s defence ministry described as “incoming missile and drone threats” from Iran, in the latest escalation of tensions on the 18th day of war across the Gulf region.
The latest shutdown came only hours after an earlier suspension affecting commercial flights had been lifted. Authorities said the intermittent closure was a precautionary step as security agencies monitored the evolving situation, reports the BBC. The UAE’s civil aviation authority said, as quoted by the BBC, the halt to air traffic was temporary and coordinated with relevant authorities following extensive safety and security assessments. However, it is leading to much of the inconvenience to the travellers and businesses.
Operations had only just begun to resume at the country’s major airports. Flag carrier Emirates earlier said it had restarted “a reduced flight schedule” after flights were temporarily suspended at Dubai International Airport following a fire incident. Another national carrier, Etihad Airways, said it was operating a “limited commercial flight schedule” from Abu Dhabi, reports the BBC.
The developments come as the wider West Asia conflict continues to escalate. The Israeli military said it had launched “a wide-scale wave of strikes” on Iranian cities including Tehran, Shiraz and Tabriz. Shortly afterwards, Israel warned that missiles had been fired from Iran towards its territory and urged residents to move to shelters as air defence systems worked to intercept the projectiles.
Europe reluctant to expand military role
Several European leaders have signalled caution about joining the US militarily. Friedrich Merz, the Chancellor of Germany, said the conflict “is not a matter for Nato,” while the European Union decided against expanding naval operations in the Strait of Hormuz despite criticism from Washington, reports the international media.
Leaders of the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany and Italy also issued a joint statement warning that a major Israeli ground offensive in Lebanon would have “devastating humanitarian consequences”.
US President Donald Trump renewed criticism of American allies for their reluctance to support efforts to break Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global route for oil and gas shipments. “I’m demanding that these countries come in,” Trump said, urging allies, particularly members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, to help secure the waterway. “It’s the place from which they get their energy, and they should help us protect it.” Trump also criticised Keir Starmer, after the British prime minister said the UK would not be drawn into a wider war with Iran.
Gulf leaders discuss regional security
Amid the escalating crisis, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, met Abdullah II of Jordan in Dubai, in the presence of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan. During the meeting, the leaders discussed regional developments and the implications of the escalating military situation for security and stability in the region. They also addressed continued Iranian attacks targeting countries in the region, which they said violated sovereignty and international law and posed a threat to international peace and security.
Security concerns intensified after the US Embassy in Baghdad was targeted in a wave of drone and rocket attacks, according to Reuters and AFP. Iraqi security sources described it as the most intense assault since such attacks began.
The embassy had issued a security alert hours earlier, warning that Iran-aligned militias had repeatedly targeted the heavily fortified International Zone in Baghdad. US military officials said about 200 American service members have been injured in the conflict so far, with at least 13 killed.
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