UAE will not allow use of its airspace for action against Iran

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UAE will not allow use of its airspace for military action against Iran

January 27, 2026

DUBAI,— The United Arab Emirates said Monday it will not allow its airspace, land, or waters to be used for military action against Iran, reaffirming its commitment to neutrality and regional stability.

The statement from the UAE Foreign Ministry comes amid growing international concern over potential U.S. military operations in Iran.

Last week, U.S. President Donald Trump said an “armada” was being sent to the region but expressed hope it would not need to be used. Trump warned Tehran against harming protesters or restarting its nuclear program.

Iran has faced widespread protests in recent months, which human rights organizations say have resulted in thousands of deaths, including civilians.

Rights groups have described the unrest as the most severe crackdown since the 1979 revolution, when Shi’ite clerics came to power.

In parallel developments, a U.S. aircraft carrier and supporting warships have arrived in the Middle East, U.S. officials told Reuters on Monday.

The USS Abraham Lincoln, along with several guided-missile destroyers, entered the region under the U.S. Central Command, expanding American military capabilities and readiness in the area.

Trump had announced last Thursday that a U.S. “armada” was heading toward Iran but added that he hoped it would not be needed.

The fleet began deploying from the Asia-Pacific earlier this month as tensions between Washington and Tehran intensified following the crackdown on protesters.

The U.S. military has historically increased forces in the region during periods of heightened tension, often as a defensive measure. Last year, a similar buildup occurred ahead of planned strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities in June.

In addition to the carrier group, the Pentagon is moving fighter jets and air-defense systems to the region.

The U.S. military said it would conduct exercises over the weekend to demonstrate the ability to deploy and sustain combat airpower.

A senior Iranian official warned last week that any attack would be treated as an “all-out war” against the country.

Flydubai canceled at least 17 flights on January 9 between Dubai and multiple Iranian cities, including Tehran, Shiraz, and Mashhad, citing security concerns amid nationwide protests.

(With files from Reuters)