Daijiworld Media Network - Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, Aug 31: The United Arab Emirates has strongly condemned an Iranian drone attack that was intercepted by its air defence systems over UAE territorial waters, describing the incident as a “dangerous escalation”.

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement posted on X, said it “strongly condemned the hostile Iranian attack on the country involving a drone that was intercepted by air defence systems over UAE territorial waters”.

The ministry added that the UAE reserved its “full and legitimate right to respond” to the attack.

The development came after Iran said it had launched attacks targeting US military positions in Jordan and the Al Menhad airbase in the UAE. Iran's claims followed US attacks on Larak Island in southern Iran.

However, the UAE has rejected reports that Al Menhad airbase was targeted in the Iranian attack.

The incident adds to growing regional tensions amid the exchange of attacks involving Iran and US-linked military targets.