Israel deployed Iron Dome anti-missile batteries and personnel to the United Arab Emirates to help defend the country during recent conflict with Iran, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said Tuesday.

Huckabee made the disclosure during remarks at the Tel Aviv Conference, where he praised the growing defense relationship between Israel and the UAE. "Israel just sent them Iron Dome batteries and personnel to help operate them," the ambassador said while discussing benefits of the Abraham Accords.

The revelation underscores deepening security cooperation between Israel and the UAE, both countries that view Iran as a regional threat. The UAE diplomatically recognized Israel in 2020 as part of the Abraham Accords, which also included Bahrain in establishing formal relations with Israel.

Huckabee, a former Arkansas governor and Baptist minister, expressed optimism that additional countries in the region would soon join the Abraham Accords. However, he acknowledged the challenging regional dynamics, noting that Arab states must choose between potential threats from Iran versus Israel.

The Iron Dome system has demonstrated high effectiveness rates, with the defense system's manufacturer Rafael reporting nearly 99% success against incoming missiles. The deployment to the UAE represents a significant expansion of the technology beyond Israel's borders during active regional conflict.

The UAE has not immediately responded to requests for comment regarding Huckabee's public acknowledgment of the Iron Dome deployment. The disclosure comes as a fragile ceasefire remains in place following the recent Iran conflict, though tensions persist in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz region.