United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said his country is in a time of war but is fine, in his first public statements since Iran launched missiles at its Gulf neighbors in response to attacks by the United States and Israel, Reuters wrote.
“In a message to the enemies, the UAE is attractive, the UAE is beautiful, the UAE is a model. But I say to them: don't be misled by the appearances of the UAE – the UAE has thick skin and bitter flesh – we are not easy prey,” he told Abu Dhabi TV on Saturday, on the sidelines of a visit to a hospital where people injured in Iranian attacks are, according to ARN News Centre.
The UAE will “emerge stronger than before” from this situation, added the sheikh, who thanked the armed forces and security services.
“We will fulfill our duty to our country, to our people and to our residents, who are also part of our family,” said Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is also the ruler of the emirate of Abu Dhabi.
New explosions reported in the region despite statements made by Iran's president
On Saturday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian apologized to neighboring countries that were attacked by Tehran's forces and claimed that these attacks were not coordinated from the center but were “own initiatives” of military units.
The Iranian leader said Iran's new interim ruling council had approved a strategic change: no more attacks or missile strikes would be launched against neighboring countries. But there is a clear condition: “unless an attack against Iran comes from these countries,” notes Reuters.
Despite the statements made by President Pezeshkian, explosions were still heard in countries such as Bahrain, Qatar and the UAE on Saturday evening, according to CNN.
Also on Saturday, a drone hit the runway at Dubai International Airport, causing an explosion followed by a large cloud of smoke. The moment was filmed by a witness.
