Brief
UAE official says country will act if Iran attacks again
Dr Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi warned that all response options remain on the table after recent Iranian missile and drone strikes.
By Felo News Desk · Published
At a press event in Dubai, Dr Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, chairman of the Defence, Interior and Foreign Affairs Committee of the Federal National Council, told reporters the United Arab Emirates will take "everything" needed to protect its sovereignty, national security and people if Iran carries out another attack. His comments were made on 15 October 2026 during the UAE Correspondents' Majlis.
Al Nuaimi said the UAE has condemned Iranian missile and drone attacks that have hit civilian areas, airports, ports and residential districts since the conflict began in late February. He cited the most recent incident on 31 August, when the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that UAE air‑defence systems intercepted an Iranian drone over territorial waters.
The official stressed that the Emirates have kept all response options open, adding that the country favours a political solution and regional diplomatic engagement. He noted that before the war started, the UAE reaffirmed in January that its airspace, territory and waters would not be used for military action against Iran and that it would not provide logistical support for such operations.
When asked whether the regional conflict could become a prolonged war like the Russia‑Ukraine fight, Al Nuaimi said he did not expect a multi‑year stalemate and suggested the war could end before the close of 2026. He did not rule out a full‑scale war, saying the outcome depends on Iran’s leadership and its future vision.
Al Nuaimi also addressed the prospect of rebuilding trust with Tehran, stating that any improvement would require genuine change backed by concrete initiatives, not merely the reopening of dialogue.
Key facts
- UAE will take any measures needed if Iran attacks again (khaleejtimes.com)
- Iranian drone was intercepted over UAE waters on 31 August 2026 (khaleejtimes.com)
- UAE has kept all response options on the table since the conflict began in late February 2026 (khaleejtimes.com)
- Al Nuaimi said the war could end before the end of 2026 (khaleejtimes.com)
Sources
- [1] khaleejtimes.com — originally reported as “UAE ready to take all necessary measures if Iran attacks again, says official”
