The United Arab Emirates is considering freezing billions of dollars worth of Iranian assets held in the Gulf state, limiting Tehran's access to foreign exchange and global trade.
Dubai/PHOTO: Shutterstock
Reuters states that it could not immediately confirm the information. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Emirates did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comments outside working hours, writes News.ro.
UAE authorities are considering several measures against Iran's financing network, including freezing the assets of shell companies, intensifying controls on currency exchange houses and possible maritime actions, such as seizing Iranian ships.
Accounts affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) may also be among the targets.
The United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran on Saturday, February 28, prompting Tehran to retaliate by firing missiles at Israel and several Gulf locations that host US military bases.
Officials in the United Arab Emirates have privately warned Iran of possible measures it could take against Tehran, according to the Wall Street Journal, which adds that it is unclear if and when the government will implement those measures.
The UAE Ministry of Defense on Tuesday, March 3, provided detailed data on the extent of airstrikes directed against the country.
Brigadier General Abdul Nasser Mohammed Al-Humaidi, a defense spokesman, said 186 missiles had been fired at UAE territory since the beginning of the conflict.
Air defense systems successfully intercepted 172 of these, while 13 fell into the sea. Only one rocket would have fallen on the territory of the country.
In addition to the missile attacks, the UAE detected 812 drones launched into the country. Of these, 755 were intercepted, and 57 fell on the territory of the country. Defense systems also identified and destroyed eight cruise missiles.
Authorities have confirmed that three people have died in the United Arab Emirates since the escalation began, and 68 have suffered minor injuries. Minor to moderate damage was reported to some civilian facilities, but critical infrastructure remains operational.
