UAE deploys Israeli Iron Dome to intercept Iranian barrage

ALBAWABA- The United Arab Emirates used Israeli-made air defence systems, including the Iron Dome, to repel a large-scale Iranian attack on Monday, underscoring deepening security coordination between the UAE, Israel, and the United States.

According to the UAE Ministry of Defence, air defence systems intercepted 12 ballistic missiles, three cruise missiles, and four drones launched toward the country. Explosions from successful interceptions were reported across multiple areas, with authorities confirming no major damage.

A source cited by CNN said expectations were growing that the United States could carry out retaliatory strikes against Iran within 24 hours. The use of Israeli defence systems highlights the expanding strategic partnership between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv. 

Reports indicate that Israeli crews had been discreetly deployed alongside these systems earlier in the conflict, reflecting a shift from diplomatic normalisation to active military cooperation.

Meanwhile, former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett described the attack as a “renewal of Iran’s war” against the US and Israeli allies in the region, stressing the importance of the alliance in maintaining regional security.

The United Arab Emirates, our strategic ally, has just been attacked by Iran.

This is, in effect, a declaration of the renewal of Iran’s war against the allies of the United States and Israel across the region.

This regional alliance is vital to our security and to the security…

— Naftali Bennett נפתלי בנט (@naftalibennett) May 4, 2026

The attack follows the launch of “Project Freedom,” announced by US President Donald Trump, aimed at securing safe passage for neutral vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has strongly opposed the initiative, responding with strikes on UAE-linked targets and reported attacks on commercial shipping.

Trump said US forces had destroyed several Iranian fast boats and warned that Iran would face severe consequences if it targeted American vessels. He also noted that UAE air defences had successfully neutralised most incoming threats.

US Senator Lindsey Graham backed the operation and called for a firm response, while a senior commander at United States Central Command said the UAE maintains robust defensive capabilities. An Israeli official signalled readiness to resume operations against Iran, pending US approval.

The UAE’s growing role as a central US-Israeli partner in the Gulf is evolving from the Abraham Accords into deeper military alignment. While this cooperation has strengthened deterrence, it has also drawn intensified Iranian retaliation, raising the risk of further escalation in the region.