The United Arab Emirates has issued a stern warning to Iran, saying it is prepared to adopt a stronger military stance if missile and drone attacks on its territory persist.
Minister of State for International Cooperation, Reem Al-Hashimy, made the remarks during an interview with CNN’s Becky Anderson, stressing that while the UAE hopes to avoid escalation, it will not tolerate continued assaults.
“We are prepared to defend ourselves. We hope it doesn’t come to it, but we’re not going to sit idly by as we continue to be recipients of such a barrage of attacks,” Al-Hashimy said.
When asked whether the UAE could assume a more combative role, she responded firmly: “If it needs to come to that, it will come to that.”
She added that the responsibility now lies with Tehran, saying, “The ball is in Iran’s court about how they want to deal with a neighborhood and a neighbor that has traditionally been a very fair and good neighbor to them.”
The warning follows what Emirati officials described as one of the largest direct assaults on the country in recent history. According to the UAE Ministry of Defence, Iran launched at least 137 ballistic missiles and 209 drones toward Emirati territory.
Authorities said most of the incoming projectiles were intercepted by advanced air defense systems, though 14 drones reportedly struck their targets.
The attacks targeted key urban centers, including the capital Abu Dhabi and the commercial hub Dubai, raising concerns about a broader regional spillover amid escalating hostilities linked to the ongoing Israel–Iran conflict and recent US and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets.
The UAE, a key Gulf ally of the United States and a major economic hub, has so far characterised its response as defensive. However, the latest comments suggest that patience may be wearing thin.
Al-Hashimy emphasized the country’s defensive capabilities, stating that the UAE possesses one of the world’s most advanced air and missile defense systems and remains committed to ensuring the safety of its citizens and residents.
“We are in a safe place that has very strong infrastructure. We will leave no stone unturned to make sure that continues to be the case for all of our citizens and residents alike,” she said.
