DUBAI (Web Desk) – The United Arab Emirates said its air defence systems were activated on Monday to counter incoming missiles and drones allegedly launched from Iran, amid rising regional tensions.
The UAE Ministry of Defence confirmed that forces engaged multiple aerial threats, including ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as drones. Officials later stated that three missiles were successfully intercepted, while another fell into the sea. No immediate casualties were reported, and Iran has not issued any official response.
In the emirate of Fujairah, authorities said a drone strike caused a fire at an oil facility. Emergency teams quickly brought the situation under control. Three Indian nationals sustained moderate injuries and were shifted to hospital for treatment.
The latest developments come as diplomatic efforts to extend a ceasefire in the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran have stalled. Tensions have remained high, particularly over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, where maritime security concerns persist.
The UAE had experienced a relative lull in hostilities following a Pakistan-mediated ceasefire between Washington and Tehran on April 8, which paused more than two months of intense fighting. However, the current strikes signal a renewed escalation.
During the earlier phase of conflict, the UAE was among the most targeted countries, facing repeated missile and drone attacks. Thousands of incoming threats were reportedly intercepted during that period.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump announced plans for a US military operation aimed at assisting stranded commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as a humanitarian effort. Iranian media, however, reported that Tehran’s navy responded by firing warning shots at US warships in the area.
The UAE also condemned a separate drone attack targeting a vessel near Oman, though no casualties were reported and the ship was not carrying cargo at the time.
Efforts to reach a lasting agreement between Washington and Tehran remain deadlocked, despite direct talks held in Islamabad following the ceasefire. The truce was later extended without a new deadline after a request from Pakistan.
UAE intercepts Iranian missiles and drones as tensions rise, with injuries reported in Fujairah and ceasefire talks between Washington and Tehran remaining stalled.
