Overview
- Anwar Gargash said the UAE faced more than 2,800 Iranian missiles and drones and intercepted about 96% of them, calling the Emirates the primary target of the campaign.
- He said the confrontation lasted about 40 days and daily life largely held steady, with services and supply chains operating, though tourism dipped while residency levels stayed stable.
- The UAE rejected what it called a cheap peace and tied any deal to safe passage in the Strait of Hormuz, curbs on Iranian missiles and drones, and a guarantee that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon.
- Gargash said the country seeks assurances the attacks will not recur and raised the prospect of compensation, framing the episode as a war of narratives that the UAE believes it won.
- He credited Western partners with the most serious defense support and said Gulf reliance on U.S. systems points to a bigger American role, while criticizing muted responses from some Arab actors and regional bodies.