ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday condemned missile and drone attacks targeting the United Arab Emirates and called for strict adherence to the fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran to enable diplomatic efforts.
The UAE’s Ministry of Defense said its air defenses intercepted 12 ballistic missiles, three cruise missiles, and four drones launched on Monday. The attacks caused minor injuries to three people and triggered a fire at an oil refinery in the eastern emirate of Fujairah.
Iran has neither confirmed nor denied responsibility. State broadcaster IRIB, quoting a military source, said Tehran had “no pre-planned program” to target the specified oil facilities. Iran’s foreign minister warned the US and UAE against being drawn into a “quagmire” by “ill-wishers” in a post on social media.
“Pakistan strongly condemns the missile and drone attacks on civilian infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates last night,” Sharif wrote on X.
He expressed solidarity with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and said Pakistan stands with the UAE government and its people.
“It is absolutely essential that the ceasefire be upheld and respected to allow diplomatic space for dialogue leading to enduring peace and stability in the region,” he added.
The strikes mark the first such incident since a ceasefire between Washington and Tehran was announced on April 8. The escalation followed Iranian media reports claiming that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) blocked US warships from entering the Strait of Hormuz on Monday.
The United States denied the claim. US President Donald Trump said American forces destroyed seven Iranian small boats. Washington has maintained a naval blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz since last month.
Also Read: Saudi Arabia Backs Pakistan’s Mediation Efforts in US-Iran Conflict
Pakistan has played a mediating role between the two sides. It hosted initial peace talks on April 11, though the discussions did not yield a breakthrough. Trump later extended the truce without setting a new deadline, following a request from Islamabad.
Tensions remain high as the US and Iran continue to disagree over Tehran’s nuclear program and control of the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
