Overview
- The Golden Jubilee of the 1976 unification, observed Wednesday, celebrated the decision that brought the UAE’s military under one flag and built a foundation for a modern, multi‑domain force.
- The UAE Foreign Ministry, which issued its statement Wednesday, rejected hostile Iranian rhetoric and said the country retains full legal, diplomatic and military rights to respond to any threat.
- A Defence Ministry spokesperson said the armed forces are at high readiness and in a stronger position than two months ago after recent tests of air defences against regional threats.
- In Abu Dhabi, the UAE and Qatar held their seventh joint higher committee meeting at the Zayed National Museum, condemned Iranian attacks, affirmed the UAE’s right to respond, and signed an investment protection pact plus memorandums on agriculture, food security and municipal cooperation.
- Regional analysts told Sky News Arabia that Iran is using the Strait of Hormuz as leverage by holding ships and crews, and they said recent strikes aimed to distract from efforts to reopen the waterway, heightening risks for sailors and global trade.