Question: Let me bring in Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy. She’s the Member of State for International Cooperation for the UAE. And Reem, thank you for joining us from Dubai this morning. It is hard to overstate just how shocking these images are to UAE residents who are used to this country being a beacon of safety and stability as Iran now threatens the quote ‘heaviest offensive in its history’ following the Supreme Leader’s death. Can you give us the very latest on the scope and scale of the targets and casualties so far and what more the UAE is bracing for today?
HE Reem Al Hashimy : Thank you very much, Becky, for having me, and thank you for your programme as well. It’s a really unprecedented time for us. This is something we’ve tried to avoid in the last couple of weeks and months, as we had encouraged dialogue and deescalation. Unfortunately, we’re at a situation right now where Iran has, through very unjustifiable and very unlawful measures, taken attacks not just to the UAE, but also to the rest of the Gulf and beyond. That is something that we do not accept. We have one of the best defence systems in the world, and we are confident that we will be able to continue to support our infrastructure and protect the people who live here.
HE Reem Al Hashimy
I know it’s a scary time for a lot of the residents. You had mentioned that because you’re right. We don’t hear these types of loud sounds, but at the same time, those are sounds of interception and where there has been damage, that has been primarily debris. And so, I do think it is important we reaffirm to the people of the UAE, both expatriates but also nationals alike, that we have one of the best air-to- missile defence systems in the world and that we are doing everything to ensure that we continue to be safe and secure.
Question : These threats from Iran had been telegraphed, should they be attacked by the US. They were on Saturday morning. The threats were on US bases, effectively, around this region and in the UAE. These strikes have been wider than that. I note the attacks, for example, on hotels and civilian infrastructure in the UAE. How much worse do you fear this could get and what is your sense of the targeting here?
HE Reem Al Hashimy : So, however way they want to move, we will be ready for that. We, of course, do not want further escalation. We are calling for calm and measured responses. But, by the same token, as you noted earlier, over 137 ballistic missiles, over 200 drones, that has been intercepted by the defence system in the UAE. We continue to urge deescalation. We are working with our partners all around the world and receiving from them assurances not only of support and coordination but also severe condemnation
that this has taken a much larger regional standpoint by really implicating other countries in the Gulf as well.
Question : And you’ve urged deescalation as you say, arguing diplomacy is the only way forward. Now we’ve seen official statements as well from the UAE and around the Gulf region condemning the attacks and a clear message: we reserve the right to retaliate. Reem, what is that response likely to look like?
HE Reem Al Hashimy :Well, it depends, Becky, and it’s a really fluid and dynamic situation right now. But rest assured to the people of this country that we will leave no stone unturned to make sure that we do defend ourselves and we are prepared for that. We hope it doesn’t come to it. But by the same token, we’re not going to sit idly by as we continue to be recipients of such a barrage of attacks that are unlawful and unjustified as well.
Question : The UAE in the region clearly has the option to switch from not allowing the US to launch attacks from territory in the Gulf to a combative mode in support of the US and Israel’s operation on Iran. Is that likely?
HE Reem Al Hashimy : Sorry, I lost you for a second. Do you mind repeating that?
Question : Is the switch from this position where the UAE and other regional allies have denied the use of bases here and operations in support of the US on Iran to a more combative role. Is that likely?
HE Reem Al Hashimy : We have, before this began, been very clear about not having our territories be used to attack Iran. We have always encouraged dialogue, and we have wanted to make sure that it doesn’t amount to this, because our region, Becky, doesn’t need another war. By the same token, if it needs to come to that, it will come to that. And really, the ball is in Iran’s court right now about how they want to deal with a neighbourhood and a neighbour that has traditionally been a very fair and good neighbour to them as well.
Question : With the Supreme Leader’s killing, has the door closed on diplomacy?
HE Reem Al Hashimy : The door for diplomacy never closes. We continue to engage because we continue to want to deescalate and we want to find other ways, other security arrangements that are helpful for this larger region. Iran is a neighbour to us, will always be a neighbour to us geographically, but also we share a lot of similar ecosystems in a very close and tight-knit region. Having said that, it is very important to recognise that it
takes two to tango. And at this stage, you’re seeing a barrage of attacks against not just the UAE but other countries within the Gulf, Jordan, Iraq, etc. And, that is a massive escalatory measure that is just not indicative of an Iran that wants to be in the region with its fellow neighbourhood.
Question :
Donald Trump says he knows, and I quote him here, exactly who is in charge of Iran right now. What is your understanding of the power structure inside the country as we speak? And what is the UAE’s position on Iran’s best course for governance at this point?
HE Reem Al Hashimy : So, always, really, we’ve reiterated this for the Iranian people to decide. This is very important for me to also emphasise in this context, too. The UAE doesn’t get involved in how different countries are governed or how different countries choose their government. We want a friendly neighbor that wants to live side by side with us and with our surrounding region and we are hopeful that it will eventually come to that.
Question : Donald Trump last spoke to the UAE’s leader, as I understand it, about 10 hours ago, according to his press secretary. What can you tell us about that conversation and the UAE’s sense of Donald Trump’s sort of thinking and state of mind at present?
HE Reem Al Hashimy : We have a very strong strategic relationship with the United States and a strong relationship with President Trump as well. They are our allies and they are our friends. By the same token, we also have strong partnerships with countries in the region, but also beyond that. And the objective right now is to find a way out of more conflict and war in this part of the world that has already seen far too much of it.
Question: Finally, I just want to underscore the significance of these attacks on the UAE. Your message to the people living here, the citizens and the residents, is that they are safe, they are secure. The next period could be frightening. It could be scary for people living here. The threats are very clear from the Iranian leadership and let’s call it that in inverted commas at this point. Can I just ask you finally for a message to the people here?
HE Reem Al Hashimy: Really to emphasise that you are safe with a leadership that cares for you and that will do everything they possibly can to ensure that that safety continues. I want to highlight again, Becky, that we need to salute our defence forces, law enforcement, all of the civil defence teams and police forces that, really, it’s just been quite loud and there’s been some debris at different places. But otherwise, we’ve been quite safe in comparison to some other very, very horrible war zones. So, really put things in context to recognise that we are in a safe place that has a very strong infrastructure and a leadership that truly does care for Emiratis and non-Emiratis alike, but also for tourists and visitors. And we will really leave
no stone unturned to make sure that that continues to be the case for all of our citizens and residents alike.
Question: It’s good to speak to you this morning, I know you will be extremely busy giving us the time. It’s hugely valuable to us. Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, thank you very much indeed for joining us.
HE Reem Al Hashimy : Thank you.
Source: CNN
