UAE Signals Iran War Combat Role ‘Not Necessarily’ Off the Table

In an April 3 on‑camera interview from Abu Dhabi, Major General Abdul Nasser Al Humaidi said the United Arab Emirates has not ruled out joining U.S. offensive operations in the war against Iran, responding “not necessarily” when asked if Emirati military involvement in the conflict is off the table. Al Humaidi stressed the UAE is currently focused on defending its territory after what officials say have been more than 2,500 Iranian drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles launched at the country since the war began, killing at least 12 people, injuring many more, and damaging airports, energy sites and parts of the tourism sector. He said UAE and partner air defenses are intercepting more than 95% of incoming drones and up to 99% of some missile threats, and credited decades of investment in a layered defense system for blunting “swarm‑type” saturation attacks. The general condemned Iran’s focus on “critical infrastructure, civilians, cities and so forth” as unlawful and flatly rejected Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s claim that U.S. strikes on Iran are being launched from bases in the UAE, insisting Emirati territory “will not be used for any attacks against Iran” even as the country continues to host U.S. forces. His comments add a rare, on‑the‑record look at the scale of Iran’s attacks on a key U.S. security partner and raise the possibility that the UAE could eventually shift from a purely defensive posture to a more direct role in the U.S.-led war, a prospect closely watched by U.S. military planners and energy markets given the Emirates’ strategic location and ties to American basing.