UAE 'better prepared' for war than when US conflict with Iran began, says official
The UAE is "better prepared" for a resumption of full-scale war should it happen, a senior official said on Thursday, amid a US-Iran diplomatic deadlock and growing signs of a potential return to major confrontation between the two countries. Dr Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, chairman of the Defence, Interior and Foreign Affairs Committee of the Federal National Council, was speaking to journalists in…
A senior UAE official has stated that the country is better prepared for a resumption of full-scale war with Iran compared to when the US launched strikes against Iran in February 2020, as tensions between the two nations continue to escalate. Dr Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, chairman of the Defence, Interior and Foreign Affairs Committee of the Federal National Council, made the comments to journalists in Dubai, addressing the likelihood of renewed conflict and the UAE's readiness to defend itself if necessary.
Dr Al Nuaimi confirmed that war could indeed resume, emphasizing that the UAE's readiness extends to all aspects, with the country prepared to take any necessary actions to protect its people. The ceasefire between the US and Iran was reached in June 2020 when both nations signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at fostering a final peace settlement.
However, US President Donald Trump ended the truce in early July after Iran resumed attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz and retaliatory strikes from America, signaling a potential return to hostilities.
During the peak of the war, Iran targeted UAE and other Gulf states with ballistic missiles and drones, aiming to damage civilian infrastructure, including energy sites and airports. The UAE experienced the most significant impact, with over 550 ballistic missiles and 2,265 drones launched, many of which were intercepted or destroyed before reaching their targets.
In April 2020, the UAE State Security Department dismantled a terrorist organization operating inside the country and sanctioned the arrests of its members for suspected involvement in activities aimed at undermining national unity and carrying out sabotage operations.
Dr Al Nuaimi highlighted the arrest of "hundreds" of Iranian sleeper cells in the UAE, including several Emiratis, who were caught guiding Iranian missile and drone strikes towards the country. Despite this, he maintained that dialogue remains a priority for the UAE, expressing readiness to take further steps in response to any positive moves from Iran to rebuild trust. However, he stressed that, for now, the UAE does not trust Iran.
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