Image: from Flash Update X @flashupdatenews
By Open Chronicle with agencies
Senior American officials have publicly confirmed for the first time that Israel deployed its Iron Dome missile defense system inside the United Arab Emirates during the recent conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.
The confirmation marks the first official acknowledgement that Israeli anti-missile batteries and military personnel operated in the Gulf state during the war.
Huckabee and Waltz Confirm Deployment
Mike Huckabee confirmed the deployment on Tuesday during a conference in Tel Aviv, praising the UAE’s relationship with Israel under the Abraham Accords.
“I’d like to say a word of appreciation for the United Arab Emirates, the first Abraham Accord member,” Huckabee said. “Israel just sent them Iron Dome batteries and personnel to help operate them.”
His comments followed remarks made a day earlier by Mike Waltz, who stated that Israeli Iron Dome systems had intercepted Iranian missiles targeting the UAE during the recent conflict.
Together, the statements provide the clearest official confirmation yet that Israeli defense systems were directly used to defend Gulf territory during the regional escalation.
UAE and Israel Security Ties Deepen
The UAE officially normalized relations with Israel in 2020 under the Abraham Accords, becoming the first Gulf Arab country to establish formal diplomatic relations with the Israeli state in decades.
Since then, cooperation between the two countries has expanded significantly across defense, intelligence, technology, and economic sectors.
The latest revelation underscores how far military coordination between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv has evolved amid growing concerns over Iran’s regional influence and missile capabilities.
The UAE did not immediately comment publicly on the reported deployment.
⭕🇮🇱🇦🇪 US Ambassador Mike Huckabee confirmed that Israel sent Iron Dome batteries and personnel to the UAE to defend it during the Iran war. He said this reflects the extraordinary relationship built on the Abraham Accords. pic.twitter.com/xLHu0u3Vra
— BRICS+ Report (@bricsplusreport) May 12, 2026
Iran Intensifies Pressure on Gulf States
The deployment reportedly took place during the recent US-Israeli conflict with Iran, which triggered missile and drone attacks across the Gulf region.
Iran launched strikes against Israel as well as several American allies hosting U.S. military assets, including Gulf states.
The regional crisis also disrupted global shipping routes after Tehran moved to close the Strait of Hormuz, contributing to a major rise in global energy prices and military tensions.
Analysts say the public acknowledgement of Israeli defense deployments in the UAE could further inflame tensions between Tehran and Gulf Arab governments.
Strategic Shift in Gulf Security
Defense experts describe the use of Israeli missile defense systems in the Gulf as a major strategic development in Middle East security architecture.
The Iron Dome system, originally designed to intercept short-range rockets and missiles, has become one of Israel’s most internationally recognized military technologies.
Its deployment outside Israel during an active regional conflict reflects growing integration between Israeli and Gulf defense networks supported by Washington.
Regional analysts warn that the development may also encourage Iran to strengthen military coordination with allied armed groups and expand its missile deterrence strategy.
Regional Diplomacy Faces New Challenges
The disclosure comes amid fragile ceasefire efforts between Washington and Tehran, with diplomatic negotiations continuing through regional mediators including Pakistan and Qatar.
At the same time, military activity across the Middle East remains elevated, particularly around the Gulf and Lebanon.
Observers say the public confirmation of Israeli military deployments inside the UAE highlights how dramatically regional alliances have shifted in recent years following the Abraham Accords and the shared perception of Iran as a major strategic threat.