Abu dhabi: UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Saturday declared that the country is 'at war' and assured citizens that it will emerge stronger. In remarks broadcast by Emirates News Agency during a visit to individuals injured in Iranian attacks on the UAE, the president emphasized that the injured were 'a responsibility on our shoulders.'

According to Anadolu Agency, the president visited five wounded civilians, comprising two Emiratis, an Indian, a Sudanese, and an Iranian, and affirmed: 'The UAE is doing well.' Mohammed bin Zayed also expressed gratitude to the country's armed forces for their efforts 'during this war' and praised security institutions for their 'honorable service to the country.'

He acknowledged expatriate residents in the UAE, asserting: 'We are in a time of war, and I promise them that we will fulfill our duty. This situation was imposed on us, and we are acting to protect ourselves, our families, and our country.' Addressing the UAE's adversaries, he warned: 'The UAE is attractive, beautiful, and a model, but do not be deceived. The UAE has thick skin and bitter flesh -- we cannot be devoured,' pledging that the nation will emerge stronger from the conflict.

The conflict escalated when Iran launched missiles and drones on February 28 towards Israel and Gulf countries that host US military assets. The attacks resulted in casualties and damage to civilian sites, including ports and residential buildings. Tehran claims the attacks were in retaliation for a US-Israeli military campaign against Iran that resulted in the loss of hundreds of lives, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and top military officials.

Earlier on Saturday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Iran would cease targeting neighboring countries 'unless attacks are launched against us from their territory.'