UAE Ambassador: Iran Conflict with America-Israel Not a Religious War

JAKARTA – The Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the Republic of Indonesia, the Democratic Republic of Timor Leste, and ASEAN, H.E. Abdulla Salem Al Dhaheri, has asserted that the war between Iran and the US-Israel is not a religious war. Efforts to frame this conflict as a religious war are misleading and do not reflect the reality on the ground. “This is an issue of security, sovereignty, and international law, not religion,” he stated during a press briefing at his residence in Jakarta on Wednesday evening (8/4/2026). He expressed greater concern over the current pattern, where Iran is directing the majority of its attacks towards its neighbouring countries that did not initiate the escalation and have not called for this war. The latest statistics show that around 85% of Iran’s missiles and drones are launched towards GCC countries and Jordan, while only about 15% target Israel. “Based on this reality, I invite all countries in the Islamic world, including the Republic of Indonesia and its friendly people, to assess the situation in the Middle East in a balanced manner, without being influenced by emotional narratives that contradict the facts,” he said. He also encouraged a neutral stance accompanied by solidarity and support for the affected Arab countries and other Islamic nations amid the ongoing conflict. So far, the Ambassador noted, the United Arab Emirates, GCC countries, and Jordan have shown restraint, responsibility, and discipline. “We do not retaliate in kind, even in the face of repeated attacks. We believe that leadership is not measured by escalation, but by the ability to prevent the conflict from spreading.” According to the Ambassador, the UAE’s response is part of a comprehensive and coordinated effort with GCC countries and Jordan. Under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, active communications have been conducted with world leaders, including Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, to promote de-escalation and international coordination. “At the same time, leaders in the GCC region, including Jordan, are undertaking similar diplomatic efforts that reflect the united stance of the Gulf region,” he added.