The United Arab Emirates, which has faced extensive Iranian drone and missile attacks, is now under the protection of Israel's Iron Dome air defence system, a development confirmed by US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee.
US Confirms Deployment
Speaking at an event in Tel Aviv, Huckabee expressed appreciation for the UAE, the first Abraham Accord member, highlighting the benefits of the agreement. "Israel just sent them Iron Dome batteries and personnel to help operate them," he stated. The two nations normalised relations with the signing of the Abraham Accord in 2020 and are also members of the I2U2 strategic partnership alongside India and the United States, as well as the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
UAE Under Heavy Attack
The UAE has been a focal point of Iranian missile and drone assaults, experiencing more launches than even Israel. According to the latest bulletin from the Emirati Ministry of Defence, 551 ballistic missiles, 29 cruise missiles, and 2,263 drones launched by Iran have been intercepted. Despite the deployment, both countries have remained silent on the specifics. The Times of Israel reports that Israeli officials avoid highlighting the cooperation due to domestic political sensitivities over transferring a critical system while Israel itself was under attack.
Reports indicate that the UAE and Israel have coordinated targeting of short-range ballistic missile launchers in southern Iran. The UAE is also believed to have taken kinetic action against Iran, making it the third active hostile party in the conflict after Israel and the United States. In early April, just before a ceasefire, the UAE allegedly targeted an oil refinery on Iran's Lavan Island, an attack reportedly welcomed by the US.
Deepening Ties
This military cooperation underscores the strengthening relationship between Israel and the UAE since the Abraham Accord. The Iron Dome system, known for its effectiveness in intercepting rockets and missiles, provides a significant defensive boost to the UAE as it continues to face threats from Iran. The deployment also signals a shift in regional alliances, with Gulf nations increasingly cooperating with Israel on security matters.
