On August 19, 2026, the United Arab Emirates announced it had stopped “all trade, commercial exchanges and financial transactions” with Iran “until further notice.” But the Foreign Ministry did not cite a new statute, cabinet resolution, sanctions list or implementing circular. Nor did it give public guidance on cargo in transit, existing contracts, humanitarian trade, remittances, or the beginning of enforcement.
The announcement came after the Emirates said it intercepted two ballistic missiles launched from Iran the previous day that Abu Dhabi said Iran had aimed at maritime traffic. Tehran dismissed the charge as unfounded.
The announcement came after the Emirates said it intercepted two ballistic missiles launched from Iran the previous day that Abu Dhabi said Iran had…
