Trump claims UAE was 'dropping bombs' during Iran conflict
The comments drew attention because the UAE had maintained a cautious public position regarding the conflict and had not publicly confirmed direct participation in military strikes against Iran
US President Donald Trump said during the Group of Seven summit that the United Arab Emirates had recently carried out bombing operations, remarks that appeared to publicly link Abu Dhabi to military action against Iran that had not been publicly acknowledged.
Speaking during the summit, Trump praised United Arab Emirates President Mohammed bin Zayed, describing him as an "incredible warrior" and a "good fighter."
Trump also said the UAE had been "dropping bombs last week" and recounted asking aides, "Who the hell's dropping all those bombs?" before learning, according to his account, that it was the UAE, says the Hindustan Times.
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The comments drew attention because the UAE had maintained a cautious public position regarding the conflict and had not publicly confirmed direct participation in military strikes against Iran.
According to reports cited in accounts surrounding the conflict, the UAE allegedly conducted multiple strikes on Iranian targets, including Kish and Abu Musa islands, the Bandar Abbas refinery and the Asaluya petrochemical complex. The reported operations were said to have taken place alongside US and Israeli actions and in response to Iranian attacks involving missiles and drones.
Trump's remarks came shortly before he moved to sign a memorandum of understanding with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian aimed at ending hostilities, according to the information provided.
The reported agreement included a proposed 60-day ceasefire, measures concerning navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, economic assistance for Iran's recovery, and discussions on sanctions and nuclear commitments.
Regional reaction appeared mixed. Anwar Gargash, an adviser to the UAE president, said any regional arrangement would need to address Iranian actions against Arab states and argued that Arab security and sovereignty could not be "traded away" in a US-Iran bargain.
Trump also publicly thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin for remaining "neutral" during the conflict.
