The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has trashed reports that claimed it had launched its first retaliatory strike against Iran on Sunday. It was reported that the UAE attacked a desalination plant in Iran amid a continued wave of bombings across key tourist and strategic locations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Reacting to the claims of counter-offensive, Dr Ali Rashid Ali Nuaimi, a member of the UAE Federal National Council and Chairman of the Defence Affairs, Interior and Foreign Affairs Committee, has called the reports "fake news."
In a post on X, he said, "This is fake news. When we do something, we've the courage to announce it".
In another post on X, he wrote, "The UAE will never place the Iranian people in the same basket as the Iranian regime. The Iranian people are the real victims of that regime and the ones who suffer the most from its policies. As neighbours, we recognise this reality, and we care about their wellbeing".
The UAE strike could have been consequential in escalating the tensions in the Middle East, as it would suggest expansion of the Middle East war.
Since the war started last Saturday, Iran has hit Dubai Airport, Fairmont Palm Hotel, the Burj Khalifa Hotel and the vicinity of Burj Khalifa, Jebel Ali Port, Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi.
Speaking about the Iranian attack, the UAE's Defence Ministry on Sunday said the death toll from attacks had risen to four. It added that 16 missiles launched by Iran were intercepted, while a 17th fell into the sea. The UAE said that it has also intercepted most of Iran’s 117 drones. However, four of them fell in the UAE territory.
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Earlier on Saturday, UAE President and Abu Dhabi Ruler Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan issued a stern warning to the enemies, saying that while it was "in a time of war", it was not an "easy prey".