UAE strengthens defences ahead of possible renewed Iran conflict

The United Arab Emirates is significantly better equipped to handle a potential return to major conflict than it was when regional fighting erupted earlier this year, according to a high-ranking Emirati official.

Dr Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, who chairs the Defence, Interior and Foreign Affairs Committee of the Federal National Council, addressed reporters in Dubai about rising risks of renewed hostilities between the United States and Iran. Speaking to The National, he stated that the Emirates is far more ready than it was on February 28, the date joint American and Israeli strikes on Iran triggered wider regional warfare. He confirmed that conflict could break out again, noting that domestic readiness covers every domain and that authorities will take all necessary measures to safeguard the nation and its residents.

The remarks follow an ongoing diplomatic impasse between Tehran and Washington. A temporary truce established under a June memorandum of understanding unravelled in early July, when US President Donald Trump pronounced the pact terminated following fresh Iranian strikes on maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and subsequent American retaliation. Since then, both sides have demonstrated preparations for a potential return to open conflict.

During the height of the hostilities, Iran launched massive aerial bombardments at Gulf nations, targeting energy facilities, airports and other civilian infrastructure. The UAE faced the brunt of those assaults, enduring more than 550 ballistic missiles alongside 2,265 drones. Air defence systems and military forces managed to destroy or intercept the vast majority of incoming threats before they could strike their intended targets.

Domestic security agencies also moved against internal threats connected to the crisis. Dr Al Nuaimi revealed that authorities apprehended hundreds of individuals linked to Iranian sleeper cells, including multiple UAE citizens. He explained that these suspects were detained after being caught directing Iranian missile and drone strikes against domestic sites, arguing their ultimate aim was to undermine the nation.

These disclosures follow earlier security operations reported in April, when the UAE State Security Department took down an illicit network accused of plotting sabotage and attempting to recruit young citizens through deceptive ideology. Authorities also dismantled a separate covert cell run and financed by Iran alongside Lebanon-based Hezbollah. That group used commercial front businesses to try to compromise the financial sector and disrupt national economic stability.

Even with heightened defence measures and lingering threats, Dr Al Nuaimi noted that the UAE still prefers diplomatic solutions. He observed that if Tehran makes an initial move toward rebuilding confidence, the UAE is prepared to respond with further steps, though he emphasised that bilateral trust does not currently exist.