Dubai, UAE – The United Arab Emirates on Tuesday accused Iran of firing two ballistic missiles at its territory, marking the first time the Defence Ministry has detected a barrage aimed at the country in months. “UAE air defences detected two ballistic missiles launched from Iran toward the country, with the first falling outside the country’s territorial waters, while the second fell within the territorial waters,” the Defence Ministry said in a statement posted on X.
The accusation came nearly two hours after a brief phone alert warned UAE residents of a “potential missile threat,” which was later lifted.Iran, however, “categorically rejected” the UAE’s claim. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei stated that the allegation was harmful to regional trust and security efforts.
The accusation comes amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region, where tankers belonging to state-owned oil company ADNOC have been repeatedly targeted in recent weeks. Since the war in West Asia began on February 28, the UAE has faced the brunt of Iran’s attacks, with nearly 3,000 missiles and drones directed at the country—more than anywhere else in the region.
A memorandum of understanding that had been in effect between the two parties since June has since collapsed, and the UAE has reported no attacks since then, unlike other Gulf states. This latest accusation marks a significant escalation in rhetoric and raises concerns about further instability in the region. The UAE’s statement and Iran’s denial have intensified diplomatic tensions, with both sides trading claims while the international community watches closely.
