Israel deploys Iron Dome systems to UAE during Iran conflict, US envoy says

Israel has deployed Iron Dome anti-missile batteries and personnel to operate them in the United Arab Emirates to help defend the country during the Iran conflict, the US ambassador to Israel said, AP reports.

The remarks by Mike Huckabee highlight the growing defence cooperation between Israel and the UAE, both of which have long viewed Iran as a regional threat, even as a fragile ceasefire in the Iran war continues to hold. However, tensions remain high, with the Strait of Hormuz still under Tehran’s strategic control and negotiations between the United States and Iran reportedly stalled, raising concerns about a potential escalation.

Huckabee, a Baptist minister, former governor of Arkansas, and former US presidential candidate, made the comments during an event in Tel Aviv.

“I’d like to say a word of appreciation for United Arab Emirates, the first Abraham accord member,” Huckabee said at the Tel Aviv Conference. “Just look at the benefits. Israel just sent them Iron Dome batteries and personnel to help operate them.”

The UAE, a federation of seven sheikhdoms on the Arabian Peninsula, formally established diplomatic relations with Israel in 2020 under the Abraham Accords.

The UAE did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding Huckabee’s statement.

Huckabee also expressed optimism about expanding regional normalization efforts.

He said he was “very optimistic” that additional countries in the region will soon join the Abraham Accords, which also include Bahrain.

However, he acknowledged that many Arab states remain angered by Israel’s military operations following Hamas’ 2023 attack, which triggered a wider regional conflict. The war has led to widespread destruction in the Gaza Strip and Israeli strikes against Iran-aligned groups across the Middle East, while Israel has also maintained military presence in parts of Lebanon and Syria.

“The Gulf states now understood they will have to make a choice — is it more likely they will be attacked by Iran or Israel?” Huckabee said. “They see that Israel helped us and Iran attacked us. Israel is not trying to take over your land, and is not sending missiles to you.”

By Vafa Guliyeva