The United Arab Emirates has detained 21 people under the country's cybercrime laws over content related to Iran's regional military activities, according to an advocacy group.

The detainees include tourists and expatriates, with a 60-year-old British tourist among those facing charges as of Thursday. The individuals were reportedly detained over content showing impacts of Iran's military operations in the region.

The detentions come as the UAE has taken a diplomatic stance calling for Iran to cease attacks on neighboring countries to allow for diplomatic solutions to regional tensions. The Emirates has positioned itself as seeking de-escalation through diplomatic channels.

The UAE's cybercrime laws have been used to prosecute individuals for online content deemed problematic by authorities. The specific nature of the content that led to the current detentions has not been detailed by officials.

The cases highlight the sensitive nature of Iran-related content in the Gulf region, where countries maintain complex relationships with Tehran amid ongoing regional conflicts and diplomatic efforts to manage tensions.