Turkish, Qatari FMs discuss regional tensions amid new UAE attack

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and his Qatari counterpart, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, held a phone call on Monday to discuss regional developments, including the latest status of ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran, according to Turkish diplomatic sources. The call came as the United Arab Emirates reported a fourth wave of missiles and drones launched from Iran on Monday evening—marking the first such attack since a ceasefire between Tehran and Washington took effect last month.

UAE attack

In a series of statements, the UAE Defense Ministry said its air defense systems were intercepting ballistic and cruise missiles as well as unmanned aerial vehicles targeting Emirati territory. The ministry added that loud sounds heard across different parts of the country were caused by air defenses engaging incoming projectiles. No casualties or damage were immediately reported. The attack represents a significant escalation, as previous Iranian strikes on UAE targets had ceased after the April 8 ceasefire.

Regional implications

The attack raises serious questions about the durability of the US-Iran ceasefire mediated by Pakistan. It also puts Gulf states on high alert. For Türkiye, which has close economic and political ties with both Qatar and the UAE, the incident underscores the need for de-escalation. Ankara has offered to mediate between Iran and Gulf countries and has called for a unified regional security framework. Fidan’s consultation with Qatar—a key US ally that also maintains communication channels with Iran—suggests coordination on a diplomatic response.