Foreign Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel has announced that the Maldives will not grant permission to any country to use its airspace for the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, despite requests. The Minister made this declaration during a press conference held today by a special ministerial committee, formed by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, tasked with overseeing Maldivian affairs amidst the escalating Middle Eastern tensions.

Minister Khaleel affirmed that requests from nations to utilize Maldivian airspace for military actions are being consistently rejected. “I wish to inform you that no nation’s airspace will be used from the Maldives’ airspace to attack any country. Furthermore, I would like to inform you for your awareness that we are rejecting such incoming requests,” Khaleel stated.

He also noted that the government is actively monitoring the situation of Maldivian citizens currently residing in the Middle East and is providing necessary assistance. The conflict, which reportedly began following an attack involving Israel and the United States on Iran, has severely disrupted air travel and cargo networks across the Middle East, leading to significant increases in commodity prices globally.