BREAKING: UAE intercepts Iranian missiles, drones as Gulf tensions escalates

International, Middle East

INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — Tensions in the Middle East escalated sharply on Monday as the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defense announced that its air defence systems were actively intercepting incoming ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones launched from Iran, signalling a possible collapse of the fragile ceasefire arrangement involving the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran.

In an official statement, the ministry confirmed that explosions and loud sounds heard across various parts of the country were linked to ongoing interception operations by the UAE’s air defence systems.

“UAE air defence systems are actively engaging missiles and UAV threats,” the ministry stated, adding that the noises reported nationwide were the result of defensive military operations targeting incoming aerial threats.

The latest development came shortly after Iranian authorities claimed responsibility for attacks targeting U.S. naval assets in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategic maritime oil routes.

The reported exchange marks a significant escalation in regional hostilities and raises concerns over wider instability across the Gulf region, particularly involving U.S. military interests and allied states.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the United States nor Israel had issued an official response to the claims or the unfolding military developments.