dailyloe.com – On May 12, 2026, US diplomat Mike Huckabee announced that Israel has deployed Iron Dome batteries and personnel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to defend against Iranian attacks.
During an event in Tel Aviv, Huckabee praised the UAE as an example of strong relations with Israel and noted its status as the first member of the Abraham Accords.
Huckabee stated, “Look at the benefits that they have had as a result: Israel just sent them Iron Dome batteries and personnel to help operate them.” This marks the first official confirmation of the Iron Dome’s deployment in the UAE.
Reports of the Iron Dome’s presence in the UAE have circulated for weeks, highlighting the growing relationship between Israel and Abu Dhabi during ongoing tensions with Iran.
The Iron Dome is advanced air defense technology funded by billions from the US government and has not previously been used outside Israel.
Israel declined to provide Iron Dome systems to Ukraine, despite conflicts involving Russian missiles.
Since the US and Israel initiated attacks on Iran on February 28, the UAE and other Gulf nations have faced missile and drone threats from Iranian forces.
Iran has claimed to attack US assets in the Middle East; however, Gulf states accuse Tehran of targeting civilian infrastructure.
The UAE and Bahrain are the only Gulf nations with formal relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords.
On Tuesday, Huckabee urged Gulf states to “pick a side” between Israel and Iran, asserting that Israel is not a natural enemy.
He emphasized, “Israel is not trying to take over your land. It’s not sending missiles into your civilian territories. Who’s doing that? Iran is.”
