Israeli influence in the Gulf will increase as a result of Iran’s strategy in the region, UAE presidential advisor Anwar Gargash said on Sunday, as Tehran pressed an air campaign against its neighbors.

“The Iranian strategy will actually concretize the American role… It will not reduce it. We will also see Israeli influence become more prominent in the Gulf, not less,” Gargash said, in remarks released to the media on Sunday.

Tha advisor also confirmed the UAE was ready to “join any American-led effort, international effort to secure navigation in the Strait of Hormuz”.

Meanwhile, early Monday, the UAE said its air defense systems were actively responding to missile and drone threats, with the defense ministry stating that interception operations were underway across the country. Authorities added that loud sounds reported nationwide were linked to these engagements.

The developments come amid heightened regional tensions, with Tehran accusing Gulf states of enabling U.S. military operations from their territory — a claim repeatedly denied by governments in the region, which insist they will not allow their land or airspace to be used against Iran.

Since late February, when U.S. and Israeli strikes triggered a broader regional conflict, Gulf countries have faced sustained retaliatory attacks. The UAE – a close U.S. ally that normalized ties with Israel in 2020 alongside Bahrain — has been among those frequently targeted by missile and drone strikes.