The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Monday said its air defence systems were actively responding to incoming missiles and drones allegedly launched from Iran, as regional tensions escalated.
In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Defence said its forces had engaged and intercepted ballistic and cruise missiles, along with unmanned aerial vehicles. It was later confirmed that three missiles were successfully shot down, while another fell into the sea.
Iran, however, denied any intention of targeting the UAE. Iranian state television, quoting a senior military official, reported that Tehran had “no plans” to attack the Gulf nation, despite the UAE’s claims of fresh strikes.
The developments come against the backdrop of heightened strain in the region, as efforts to extend a ceasefire in the US-Israel conflict with Iran have failed to yield progress. Tensions remain high, particularly over the ongoing standoff in the Strait of Hormuz.
In Fujairah, authorities reported that a drone strike triggered a fire at an oil facility. Emergency response teams were quickly deployed to control the blaze, according to a statement from the Fujairah Media Office. Three Indian nationals were reported injured in the incident and were taken to the hospital for treatment.
The attacks disrupted a period of relative calm in the UAE that had followed a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire between Washington and Tehran on April 8, which had temporarily halted over two months of intense hostilities in the Gulf.
During the earlier phase of conflict, the UAE had been among the most heavily targeted countries, with Iran launching retaliatory strikes involving large numbers of missiles and drones, many of which were intercepted.
Tensions remained elevated throughout Monday after US President Donald Trump announced plans for a military operation to assist commercial vessels stranded near the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to escort them safely through the strategic waterway.
Diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran have remained stalled since the ceasefire, with Tehran’s control over the strait emerging as a key sticking point. Although direct talks were held in Islamabad on April 11 following Pakistan’s mediation, they failed to produce a long-term agreement.
President Trump later agreed to extend the ceasefire at Pakistan’s request, though no new deadline has been set for a lasting resolution.
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