UAE Military Leadership Discusses Defense Posture Amid Iranian Attacks

Major General Abdul Nasser al-Humaidi of the UAE Ministry of Defence has outlined the country's military stance in response to sustained Iranian attacks over five weeks. In an interview with Monocle, al-Humaidi emphasized that the UAE maintains a defensive position while demonstrating high interception capabilities against missiles and drones. He reported that armed forces have successfully countered over 2,500 projectiles, with interception rates exceeding 99% for missiles and 95% for drones. Despite these defensive successes, Iranian strikes have targeted civilian infrastructure including airports, ports, oil facilities, and hotels, resulting in at least 12 fatalities and numerous injuries. Al-Humaidi stated that the UAE is not participating in the broader conflict and will not allow its territory to be used for attacks against Iran, directly contradicting claims by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. However, he preserved the right to self-defense if aggression continues, indicating potential escalation under certain conditions. The UAE's approach balances maintaining economic stability and normal civilian life with military readiness, while aligning with regional efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz for global trade. This dual-track strategy reflects the country's positioning as a peace-seeking nation that reserves military action as a last resort.