A diplomatic mission of the United Arab Emirates in Iraq was targeted in a drone strike early Tuesday, only hours after the Gulf nation expressed frustration about being “unfairly” caught in the ongoing regional conflict. The attack took place at the UAE’s consulate in the Kurdish region of Iraq and caused structural damage to the building, according to official reports. Authorities confirmed that there were no casualties as a result of the incident.

The strike occurred in the city of Erbil, where the UAE operates its diplomatic mission. Although the building sustained damage from the aerial attack, officials said the situation was brought under control and that no diplomatic staff or civilians were injured.

The incident came shortly after the UAE publicly stated that it was being drawn into a regional conflict despite not being directly involved. The Gulf nation had complained on Monday that it was being targeted “in a very unwarranted manner” amid the growing tensions in the Middle East.

In a statement responding to the strike, the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the attack. The ministry described the incident as a serious escalation and warned about its impact on the stability of the region.

The ministry said the attack represented a “dangerous escalation and a threat to regional security and stability.” It also stressed that attacks on diplomatic facilities violate international law. According to the statement, “targeting diplomatic missions and premises constitutes a flagrant violation of all international norms and laws.”

Despite the condemnation, the UAE did not identify who launched the drone or where it originated from. Officials have not yet attributed responsibility for the strike to any specific group or country.

The drone attack comes amid a broader escalation of tensions in the Middle East. The current conflict intensified after joint military operations by the United States and Israel against Iran began on February 28. These operations significantly increased regional instability and heightened concerns about further military actions spreading across neighbouring countries.

While the UAE has condemned the violation of its diplomatic premises, it has also maintained that it does not want to become involved in the conflict. Officials emphasised that the country has not taken part in any attacks against Iran and is trying to avoid being drawn into the hostilities.

Amid rising threats, Australia has decided to provide defensive military support to the UAE. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed on Monday that Australia would deploy military assets to help strengthen the Gulf nation’s defence capabilities.

Speaking to reporters, Albanese clarified that the deployment was not meant to escalate the conflict but to provide protection for people in the region. He said, “Our involvement is purely defensive.” He further explained that the move was taken “in defence of Australians who are in the region as well as in defence of our friends in the United Arab Emirates.”

As part of the deployment, Australia will send a Boeing-manufactured E-7A Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft to the region. The aircraft will be used to monitor and safeguard the airspace over Gulf nations. Officials said the plane will initially operate in the region for four weeks as part of this defensive arrangement.

In addition to the aircraft, Australia will also supply advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles to the UAE. The defence cooperation was confirmed after a high-level phone call between Albanese and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Meanwhile, the broader conflict has now entered its eleventh day, raising concerns about further escalation. However, Donald Trump indicated on Monday that the military campaign could soon come to an end.

Speaking about the ongoing operations, Trump said the actions were intended to address regional threats and bring stability. He stated, “We are putting an end to all of this threat once and for all, and the result will be lower oil prices, oil and gas prices for American families.”

Later in the day, the US President described the military operations in Iran as temporary. According to Trump, “We took a little excursion [to the Middle East] to get rid of some evil. And, I think you will see it is going to be a short-term excursion.”

Authorities have not yet released further details about the drone strike in Erbil. Investigations into the attack are expected to continue as tensions remain high across the region.