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A senior United Arab Emirates (UAE) official denied to Israeli media outlet The Jerusalem Post that the country was involved in a strike against an Iranian desalination facility.
A statement from United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that, "UAE affirms that it is in a state of defense in response to the brutal and unprovoked Iranian aggression, which included the launch of more than 1,400 ballistic missiles and drones targeting infrastructure and civilian sites, resulting in civilian deaths and injuries."
"These attacks constitute a flagrant violation of international law and the UN Charter, an infringement of the UAE’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and a direct threat to its security and stability," the statement noted.
"The UAE stresses that it does not seek to be drawn into conflicts or escalation. However, the UAE reaffirms its full right to take all necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty, national security, and territorial integrity, and to ensure the safety of its citizens and residents, in accordance with international law and the UN Charter," UAE noted.
Earlier reports claimed that the United Arab Emirates struck a desalination facility in Iran, an Israeli source told Israeli media outlet i24NEWS on Sunday.
"The United Arab Emirates attacked a desalination facility in Iran," said Israeli Amit Segal on his Telegram account, noting that an Israeli source confirmed it.
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The UAE has been the most heavily targeted Gulf state in Iran's retaliatory campaign.
According to data compiled by Türkiye's state-run Anadolu Agency (AA) from the UAE Defense Ministry, Iran has launched 221 ballistic missiles, eight cruise missiles, and 1,305 drones at the country since Feb. 28. Three people were killed, and 112 were wounded.
The UAE Defense Ministry stated that 205 missiles were intercepted, 14 fell into the sea and two struck the country's territory. Of the drones, 1,229 were shot down, while 76 hit the country.
The UAE's foreign affairs ministry said earlier that the country had been subjected to over 1,000 attacks from Iran, more than any other targeted nation, despite not participating in the war or permitting the use of its territory in any attack against Iran.
The ministry affirmed the UAE's right to self-defense under international law.
Iran launched at least 727 missile strikes against seven Arab countries in eight days of retaliation, targeting the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Oman.
The United States and Israel launched military strikes against Iran on Feb. 28, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and more than 1,300 civilians.
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