By Staff Reporter
The UAE has denied reports claiming that Dubai’s Al Minhad Air Base was targeted in a missile attack, describing the reports as false. However, the Ministry of Defence confirmed that UAE air defence forces intercepted and responded to a drone approaching from Iran after it was detected over the country’s territorial waters.
The incident comes amid renewed tensions between the United States and Iran. Iranian state television had earlier reported that Iran attacked a US base using drones, along with two military bases in Jordan, in response to American strikes on Iran’s Larak Island.
The latest exchange marks the first direct military confrontation between the US and Iran in approximately a month and has raised fresh concerns about regional security and the future of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
US and Iran Resume Military Exchanges
US forces confirmed that they carried out strikes against two Iranian military launchers on Larak Island on Sunday. US Central Command said the operation was limited and precise and was intended to prevent the laying of additional mines in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the US military, the operation was aimed at protecting civilian vessels, commercial shipping and the free movement of international trade.
Iran responded on Monday with attacks targeting military installations in Jordan. Jordanian authorities confirmed that their air defence systems intercepted eight missiles, although they did not officially identify where the missiles had originated.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry warned that the United States and countries supporting its military operations would be held responsible for the consequences of further escalation. Tehran also said it would respond decisively to any additional military action against the country.
Second Incident in Less Than Two Weeks
The latest drone incident is the second security threat involving projectiles from Iran to be detected near the UAE in less than two weeks.
On August 18, UAE air defence systems detected two ballistic missiles launched from Iran towards maritime areas. According to the UAE Ministry of Defence, one missile fell outside UAE territorial waters, while another landed within the country’s territorial waters.
Residents across the UAE also received emergency alerts during that incident, marking one of the first major warnings issued since July.
The UAE Armed Forces have remained on a high state of readiness, with air defence systems continuing round-the-clock monitoring to detect and respond to potential threats.
UAE Holds Iran Responsible
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the Iranian drone incident, describing it as a dangerous escalation and a violation of the UAE’s sovereignty, security and stability.
The ministry said the UAE holds Iran fully responsible for the attack and any consequences resulting from it.
Officials warned that such incidents pose a direct threat to the safety and security of citizens and residents and could further destabilise an already tense region.
Calls for Political Solutions
Dr Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE President, said that the policy of targeting Gulf states and Jordan had failed to achieve a meaningful solution.
He called for a realistic political approach capable of ending the current cycle of escalation.
Gargash also warned that the continuing situation of “neither war nor peace” was unsustainable and stressed the need for practical political solutions to restore stability and ensure the safe movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz.
UAE Suspends Trade and Financial Transactions With Iran
Earlier this month, the UAE announced the suspension of trade, commercial exchanges and financial transactions with Iran until further notice because of the growing regional conflict.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the decision was taken in response to escalating tensions that have threatened regional and international peace and security.
Meanwhile, the United States has increased economic pressure on Iran. President Donald Trump recently announced a new economic campaign against Tehran, describing it as one of the toughest economic measures imposed on the country.
The US has also introduced additional secondary sanctions targeting Iran’s economy and warned other countries about conducting business with Tehran.
As tensions continue to rise, the latest drone incident highlights growing concerns about the security of the UAE and the wider Gulf region, particularly as the conflict between the United States and Iran continues to escalate.
Source: Khaleej Times
