The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has rejected reports claiming it carried out a retaliatory strike on Iran on Sunday. The denial came after media outlets reported that the UAE had attacked an Iranian desalination facility in response to recent missile and drone strikes launched by Tehran.

For days, speculation had grown that the UAE might respond to the wave of Iranian attacks targeting several Gulf countries. However, UAE officials dismissed the claims and described them as false.

UAE Rejects Reports of Retaliatory Strike

Dr Ali Rashid Ali Nuaimi, a member of the UAE Federal National Council and chairman of the Defence Affairs, Interior and Foreign Affairs Committee, strongly denied the reports. He called the claims “fake news."

“This is fake news. When we do something, we’ve the courage to announce it," he wrote on X while responding to reports suggesting that the UAE had attacked an Iranian desalination facility.

In another post, Nuaimi stressed that the UAE does not blame the Iranian people for the actions of their government.

“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 recognize this reality and we care about their wellbeing," he said.

Reports Claimed UAE Targeted Iranian Desalination Plant

Earlier, a source familiar with the situation told the Jerusalem Post that the UAE had carried out a strike on a desalination plant in Iran. Such facilities convert seawater or salty groundwater into fresh drinking water by removing salt and minerals.

According to the report, the strike would have marked the UAE’s first direct military retaliation against Iran.

Israeli news outlet Ynet also reported that such an attack would significantly escalate the conflict. It would bring another Gulf nation directly into military action against Iran.

Rising Tensions After Iranian Attacks on Gulf States

The UAE has been considering how to respond after Iran launched several missile and drone attacks across the region. These attacks began after Israel and the United States carried out strikes on Iranian targets on February 28.

Last week, authorities in Fujairah dealt with a fire caused by debris after air defence systems intercepted a drone in the Fujairah oil industry zone.

On Sunday, the UAE Defence Ministry said Iran’s attacks had killed four people. The ministry also reported that air defence systems intercepted 16 Iranian missiles, while a 17th missile fell into the sea.

Officials also said most of the 117 drones launched by Iran were intercepted. However, four drones managed to land inside UAE territory.

UAE Considers Economic Measures Against Iran

Meanwhile, the UAE may take economic steps against Iran. A Wall Street Journal report on Friday said the country is considering freezing billions of dollars in Iranian assets.

Such a move could severely weaken Iran’s connections to the global financial system.

Drone Attacks Reported Across Gulf Countries

The regional tensions have also affected other Gulf nations. Governments in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain reported Iranian drone attacks on Saturday and early Sunday.

In Kuwait, a large fire broke out at a government office building following one of the incidents.

UAE President Warns Country’s Enemies

On Saturday, UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan issued a strong warning during a televised address.

He said the country may appear calm but is capable of defending itself.

“The UAE is attractive, but don’t be misled by the UAE’s appearance. The UAE has thick skin and bitter flesh – we are no easy prey," he said in remarks aired on Abu Dhabi TV.

Iran Issues Apology but Continues Warning

The president’s statement came after Iran issued an unusual apology to neighbouring Gulf countries for recent strikes that targeted civilian areas.

The apology appeared to be an attempt to reduce anger among regional governments. However, Iran’s leadership later insisted that it would continue attacks against neighbouring countries if they were seen as cooperating with the United States and Israel.