In first official confirmation, US envoys say Israel sent Iron Dome to UAE
The Times of Israel • • world
Key Points:
- US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz confirmed that Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system was used to intercept Iranian missiles targeting the UAE, marking the first public verification of its deployment outside Israel and the US.
- The Iron Dome battery and Israeli personnel were sent to the UAE early in the conflict, reflecting close military coordination between Israel and the UAE amid sustained Iranian missile and drone attacks.
- The UAE has been heavily targeted by Iran, with over 550 ballistic and cruise missiles and more than 2,200 drones launched, prompting Abu Dhabi to seek Israeli and US assistance for defense.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu authorized the Iron Dome deployment following discussions with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, highlighting the strategic partnership under the 2020 Abraham Accords.
- Despite ongoing conflict, a fragile ceasefire between Iran and the US has been in place since April, while Israel and the UAE continue to deepen ties and coordinate militarily against shared threats from Iran.