The King of Tonga has condemned the Iranian attacks targeting the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and other regional states, calling them a grave violation of national sovereignty, international law and the principles of the UN Charter.
The denunciation was conveyed to UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during a phone call from His Majesty King Tupou VI of Tonga, according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the official state news agency of the United Arab Emirates.
His Highness expressed appreciation for Tonga’s supportive position as both leaders emphasised the need for dialogue and diplomacy to maintain regional and international security.
Iran Offensive Meets Surge
The call came amid intensifying conflict as the United States and Israel escalate joint military operations against Iran, with airstrikes reported across Tehran and Beirut while Iran launches retaliatory missile and drone attacks targeting Israel, U.S. bases and Gulf nations.
Israeli and U.S. military officials say most of Iran’s missile launchers and air defences have been destroyed, with B‑2 bombers striking deep underground facilities as part of an expanded offensive.
In the past 72 hours, President Donald Trump has signalled a major escalation in the conflict with Iran, with U.S. stealth bombers expected to arrive soon at UK military bases as part of an expanded air campaign.
The New York Post reports that Trump previously warned Tehran that “the big one” could be imminent, as the administration prepares for what officials describe as a significant surge in military strikes.
The Northrop B‑2 Spirit, the U.S. Air Force’s heavy strategic stealth bomber designed to evade advanced air-defence systems and deliver long‑range precision strikes, is among the aircraft positioned for potential deployment in the intensified operation.
Power Vacuum Widens in Tehran
Meanwhile, Iran’s leadership remains in flux following the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in earlier strikes, with state media reporting preparations to select a new leader as the conflict enters its seventh day.
Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz closed, and drone-related incidents impacted U.S. diplomatic facilities in the Gulf.
In the last 48 hours, international media reports said Gulf countries remain on high alert as Iran has launched several waves of drone and missile strikes across the region in response to continued attacks by the United States and Israel.
Kuwait, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates faced a barrage of Iranian attacks late on Thursday, with the Kuwaiti army’s general staff saying in a social media post that air defences were intercepting projectiles in the country’s airspace, Al Jazeera reported.
International responses to the war continue to evolve, with Canada not ruling out future military involvement and China preparing to send a special envoy to help mediate the conflict.
Meanwhile, Russia is reportedly providing Iran with intelligence on the locations and movements of American troops, ships and aircraft, marking the first indication that Moscow has sought to involve itself in the conflict, according to CNN.
Evacuation Urged for Tongans
The King’s message followed a series of travel notices issued by Tonga’s diplomatic services advising Tongans in the Middle East to register with Tonga’s Embassy in the United Arab Emirates and, most recently, urging them to leave the region as soon as possible.
Tonga and the United Arab Emirates maintain formal diplomatic relations, established in July 2007, forming the basis for growing cooperation between the two nations.
In recent years the relationship has strengthened further, including the signing of a Promotion and Protection of Investment Agreement at COP28 in Dubai in December 2023, aimed at expanding economic and development partnerships.
High‑level meetings between Tongan and Emirati leaders have also underscored both countries’ commitment to deepening collaboration in areas such as renewable energy, climate resilience and sustainable development.
