Israel Deploys Iron Dome to UAE Amid Regional War

A regional war erupted on February 28, 2026, after a joint bombing campaign by the United States and Israel killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In response, Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz and launched over 2,800 missiles and drones at Gulf states, disproportionately targeting the United Arab Emirates. The barrage hit critical infrastructure in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, including the Burj Al Arab and Dubai International Airport.

To counter these attacks, Israel deployed Iron Dome batteries, the Iron Beam laser system, and Spectro surveillance technology to the UAE, marking the first operational use of the Iron Dome outside Israel and the U.S. Israeli personnel provided on-ground support and real-time intelligence. This strategic deepening of the Abraham Accords was confirmed by U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee. While Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed to have conducted a secret visit to the UAE to solidify this partnership, Emirati officials denied the meeting took place.

Gulf monarchies shifted from passive defense to proactive retaliation. The UAE conducted covert strikes against Iranian oil refineries on Lavan and Abu Musa islands, while Saudi Arabia launched unpublicized strikes on Iranian soil and targets in Iraq during late March. Saudi Arabia later pursued an informal de-escalation deal to reduce Iranian attacks. Despite a fragile U.S.-brokered ceasefire in April, hostilities persisted. President Donald Trump recently rejected an Iranian proposal to end the war, calling it "totally unacceptable," and is considering resuming major combat operations as Iran continues to block the Strait of Hormuz.