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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) denied reports that it plans to deport Iranian citizens, saying the community is "respected and valued" and forms "part of the country's social fabric."
Meanwhile, more than 1,200 Iranians have returned home via alternative routes after the suspension of direct travel links, and airlines reportedly blocked Iranian nationals from entering the country.
The UAE Foreign Ministry said in a statement that more than 200 nationalities live in the country, calling this "a clear expression of its consistent approach to consolidating the values of coexistence and tolerance."
The ministry said the Iranian community in the UAE "is respected and valued, forms part of the country's social fabric, and contributes to strengthening its diversity and openness."
Addressing what it described as "inaccurate media claims" about the residency status of the Iranian community, the ministry said the UAE's institutional approach "is built on established legal frameworks and procedures that safeguard the safety and wellbeing of all members of society, without exception."
It reaffirmed the country's "commitment to maintaining a safe and stable environment based on the rule of law, ensuring the protection of the rights of all residents."
Reports had circulated on social media and in the press claiming the UAE had banned Iranian passport holders from entering and transiting through the country, including those with valid residence permits. UAE officials had not previously commented on those reports.
Despite the diplomatic reassurance, some 1,262 Iranian citizens have returned to Iran following the suspension of direct travel routes, the Iranian Consulate in Dubai said.
The citizens traveled home via alternative routes, including flights through Afghanistan and Armenia, as reported by the semi-official ISNA news agency and Tasnim on Wednesday, citing the consulate. The consulate said it does not have any dedicated programs for travel by ship or air for the time being.
The reported travel restrictions were communicated through notifications by Emirates Airlines, Etihad Airways and Flydubai, according to media reports.
Iranian Economy Minister Ali Madanizadeh said a "comprehensive support package" had been prepared to safeguard the assets and interests of Iranians in response to the reported UAE measures.
Investments transferred from "countries that have adopted hostile approaches" can benefit from special tax and customs incentives, while access to war-risk insurance is among the additional measures, Madanizadeh said in comments carried by the semi-official Fars News Agency.
The package also includes allowing the entry and registration of capital without requiring a defined project in the initial stages, accelerating the issuance of investment permits and granting time extensions to complete investment projects, he said.
The measures signal Iran's anticipation that economic ties with the UAE, historically one of Tehran's most important commercial partners, may not recover quickly, even after the war ends.
The Wall Street Journal reported this week that the Emirates airline had barred Iranian nationals from entering or transiting the country, and that the UAE government had closed the Iranian Hospital and Iranian Club Dubai as part of a broader shift in the Gulf state's posture during the conflict.
Tensions in the Middle East have escalated since the U.S. and Israel launched a joint offensive against Iran on Feb. 28.
Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting U.S. military assets.
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