Daijiworld Media Network - Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, May 9: The Ministry of Defence of the United Arab Emirates announced on Friday that it had intercepted multiple ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) launched from Iran, in what it described as a renewed attack on its territory.
According to the ministry, UAE air defence systems successfully engaged and neutralised two ballistic missiles and three UAVs originating from Iran. Officials added that the incident resulted in three people sustaining moderate injuries.
The defence ministry strongly condemned the strike, calling it a serious escalation in regional tensions. Earlier this week, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates had also reported that three Indian nationals were injured in a separate Iranian attack targeting civilian infrastructure.
UAE authorities described the actions as an “unacceptable act of aggression” and a direct threat to the country’s security, stability, and sovereignty. They further stated that such attacks violate international law and the principles outlined in the United Nations Charter.
However, Iran’s military leadership denied carrying out any recent missile or drone operations against the UAE. The Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, Iran’s main military command, rejected the allegations and said no such strikes had been launched in recent days.
Its spokesperson, Ebrahim Zolfaghari, stated that if Iran had conducted any operation, it would have been officially and clearly announced. He also urged UAE officials not to be influenced by what he described as attempts by external powers to destabilise the region.
The UAE’s earlier accusations were similarly dismissed by Iranian officials, who warned against escalating tensions based on what they called unverified claims.
The incident has drawn international concern, with several countries including Japan, Ireland, Austria, Saudi Arabia and Jordan condemning the reported attacks on UAE territory.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also reacted strongly after three Indian nationals were injured. It termed the attack “unacceptable” and reiterated India’s call for dialogue and diplomacy to ease tensions in the Gulf and restore peace and stability in West Asia.