UAE Air Defences Intercept Missiles & Drones Amid US-Israel-Iran Conflict
As tensions continue on day ten of the US-Israel-Iran conflict, UAE authorities have issued a series of updates affecting security, travel, markets and daily life. The UAE witnessed missile and drone interceptions earlier today, with most of the defensive activity taking place over the emirate of Abu Dhabi. Authorities say air defence systems successfully intercepted several incoming threats. Meanwhile, in Fujairah, officials are responding to a fire that broke out in the Fawz oil area. Authorities say the blaze was caused by shrapnel that fell following the successful interception of aerial threats. No injuries have been reported.
The conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran has intensified sharply, with large-scale air strikes on Iran’s underground missile infrastructure and continued missile and drone interceptions across the Gulf. The United States Central Command says its operations in recent days have destroyed hundreds of missiles, launchers and drones, as well as seventeen vessels. It warns that further military action could follow in the coming hours and days. At the same time, the UAE remains on high alert, with its air defence systems actively intercepting incoming threats. According to the UAE Ministry of Defence, between Sunday evening and early Monday morning, air defences detected seventeen ballistic missiles, intercepting sixteen of them, while the remaining missile fell harmlessly into the sea.
Authorities also reported one hundred and seventeen drones, with one hundred and thirteen shot down and four landing on Emirati territory. The government insists the country is acting strictly in self-defence, calling the attacks “unprovoked” and stressing that its priority is protecting civilians and critical infrastructure. Meanwhile, Iran’s leadership appears to be sending mixed signals, even as the country has reportedly chosen a new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei. President Masoud Pezeshkian has warned that Iran could respond to attacks launched from neighbouring countries, while elements of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps are pushing for continued pressure on Gulf states hosting US military assets.
Diplomatically, the UAE says it does not want escalation. Senior adviser Anwar Gargash reiterated that the country remains in a defensive posture and that any actions taken will be clear and publicly communicated. However, behind the scenes, reports suggest Gulf states are discussing whether to remain defensive or consider limited strikes against Iranian missile sites, a move that would mark a major escalation if carried out.
