Israel’s Iron Dome Deployed in the UAE Amid Conflict with Iran
In a notable early response to the escalating conflict with Iran, Israel has secretly sent the Iron Dome air defense system to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), along with a contingent of IDF soldiers. This move represents the first operational usage of the Iron Dome outside of Israel and the U.S., as Iran launched a significant missile and drone attack on the Gulf nation.
Reports indicate that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered this deployment following a conversation with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He directed the Israel Defense Forces to provide Iron Dome batteries and operators in an effort to bolster the UAE’s defense against Iran’s intensifying assaults in the region.
This action marks a historic moment in Israel’s defensive strategy, with officials confirming it is the first instance of the Iron Dome being used outside its borders for active defense. An Israeli official mentioned that the UAE is now the first nation outside of Israel and the U.S. to deploy the system in an operational capacity, which has reportedly intercepted numerous threats.
Iran’s attacks on the UAE have been particularly severe, launching over 550 missiles and more than 2,200 drones, more than any other country involved, including Israel. Many of these strikes have targeted civilian areas and critical infrastructure, reflecting Iran’s strategy to exert pressure on U.S.-allied nations in the region.
However, the UAE is not the only nation facing these hostilities. Since the onset of the conflict, Iran has also targeted several neighboring countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and Jordan, engaging in a broader escalation against U.S. allies across the region.
Gulf states have condemned these assaults, underlining their nature as breaches of sovereignty and international law, especially given the frequency of strikes on civilian targets.
Concurrent to this, the Israeli Air Force conducted strikes on missile launchers in southern Iran to diminish the artillery directed at UAE and its Gulf neighbors.
While the Abraham Accords do not constitute a formal defense pact, Israel’s sending of troops into Emirati territory represents a significant evolution in their military cooperation, driven by the current conflict and reflecting changes initiated under the agreement brokered by Donald Trump in 2020.
Despite the traditionally sensitive nature of having Israeli personnel in the region, Emirati officials have remarked that the scale of the Iranian attacks has shifted public opinion. One noted that countries aiding in the UAE’s defense are now regarded more favorably.
Tarek Al Otaiba, a former senior official at the UAE National Security Council, acknowledged Israel’s proactive support, alongside that of the United States, highlighting the significance of military assistance, intelligence sharing, and diplomatic backing received. He stated, “We will not forget it,” emphasizing the lasting impact of this collaboration.
Additionally, another Emirati official described this situation as enlightening, revealing who their true allies are.
