UAE denies strike on Iranian desalination plant and criticizes Israeli briefings
Mar 9th 2026
Abu Dhabi rejects reports it hit an Iranian desalination plant, accuses Israeli sources of spreading rumors, and reiterates its right to self-defense while saying it will avoid targeting civilians.
- UAE officially denied involvement in a reported strike on an Iranian desalination facility.
- A source close to Abu Dhabi accused Israeli officials of leaking reports and called such briefings inappropriate.
- The Israel Defense Forces also denied carrying out that particular strike.
- The UAE says it will not target civilian infrastructure but reserves the right to strike military sites in self-defense.
- UAE Foreign Ministry reaffirmed the country is acting in self-defense and does not seek escalation.
- UAE Defense Ministry said the death toll from Iran's attacks rose to four, and Kuwait reported two officers killed during related incidents.