The Government of the United Arab Emirates held an extensive media briefing to address the latest regional developments, outlining the country’s defense posture amid ongoing escalation.

During the session, the official spokesperson of the Ministry of Defense, Brigadier General Pilot Abdul Nasser Al Hammadi, provided a detailed overview of the UAE’s military preparedness and operational capabilities. He stressed that the United Arab Emirates maintains the highest levels of readiness and possesses advanced defense systems and weaponry, supported by robust national defense industries, enabling the country to safeguard its territory and protect its citizens regardless of how long regional tensions persist.

Al Hammadi explained that the UAE operates a comprehensive, multi-layered air defense network incorporating long-, medium-, and short-range systems designed to provide full airspace coverage and effectively counter diverse aerial threats.

He revealed that since the beginning of the Iranian attack, UAE air defenses have engaged 186 ballistic missiles launched toward the country, successfully intercepting and destroying 172 of them. Thirteen missiles fell into the sea, while one missile landed within the country’s territory.

He clarified that sounds heard across various areas were the result of missile interception operations carried out by air defense systems, as well as the engagement of drones and cruise-type aerial threats by UAE fighter aircraft.

According to Al Hammadi, these figures reflect the Armed Forces’ comprehensive preparedness and proactive defense planning, which enabled efficient and effective responses to multiple threat types. He noted that debris dispersion during missile and drone interception is a known military occurrence, emphasizing that the limited injuries and minor damages recorded were not the result of direct strikes on internal targets.

He further affirmed that, in accordance with established rules of engagement and operational safety protocols, UAE air defense systems successfully neutralized hostile targets in a timely manner, significantly reducing potential damage and preventing greater loss of life and property. The Armed Forces continue to monitor developments around the clock, implementing calculated operational measures including reinforced defensive deployment, elevated combat readiness, and enhanced surveillance and early warning systems to maintain peak preparedness.

For her part, Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashimy reiterated during the same briefing that the UAE retains its full and legitimate right to self-defense. She underlined that the country’s position regarding recent developments is grounded in clear and consistent principles. She stated that the UAE, alongside other Gulf states, exerted intensive diplomatic efforts to prevent military confrontation and curb escalation, based on the firm belief that Gulf security is indivisible.

Al Hashimy added that Iran carried out its attacks without taking the UAE’s position into account, noting that the country responded by closing its embassy in Tehran and withdrawing its ambassador as part of measures deemed necessary to safeguard national interests and security.

She emphasized that the UAE’s message is unequivocal: the Iranian attacks are unjustified and pose serious consequences for regional stability. Despite the gravity of the situation, she affirmed that the UAE’s stance remains balanced, guided by wisdom and restraint, while prioritizing national security and regional stability.