The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is considering a military response amid the spread of the war between the U.S., Israel and Iran throughout the Middle East, US online media Axios reported on the 3rd (local time), citing multiple sources.
According to reports, the UAE is considering attacking Iranian missile bases to prevent Iranian missile and drone attacks.
"Even though it did not participate, the UAE was attacked by about 800 projectiles," a source said. "We are considering active defense measures against Iran." The source said, "It is the opinion of the UAE that no country in the world does not reevaluate its defense posture in this situation."
"It is unprecedented for the UAE to attack Iran," Axios said. "The fact that the possibility of such an attack is being considered reveals that Gulf countries feel tremendous anger over Iran's civilian infrastructure, oil and gas facilities."
Earlier, Iran responded by targeting U.S. military bases and embassies in Middle Eastern countries such as the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq after being attacked by the U.S. and Israel on the 28th of last month.
According to Axios, the UAE has been the most attacked by Iran, with more than Israel. According to the UAE Ministry of Defense, Iran launched 186 ballistic missiles into the UAE, 172 of which were intercepted. 812 drones were detected, 755 were intercepted, and 57 fell within UAE territory. Three foreigners were killed and some 70 injured.
Anwar Gargash, the UAE's presidential foreign affairs adviser, told X that Iran's attack on Gulf countries, including the UAE, was "misguided" and "isolated itself at a critical time."
However, the UAE's Foreign Ministry said, "The UAE has the right to self-defense," but added, "We have not decided to change our defense posture in response to Iran's repeated attacks."
Israeli government officials believe Saudi Arabia may also take military action to retaliate against Iran's attacks, Axios said.
Reporter Jo Moon-hee moony@kyunghyang.com
Indiscriminate retaliation always invites further retaliation.
It’s a time when we can’t help but wonder how neighboring countries will respond.
