The United Arab Emirates (UAE) reported that its air defenses engaged missile and drone threats from Iran on Monday evening. The attacks targeted a major oil industry zone in Fujairah, sparking fires and disrupting air traffic across the country.
Key Takeaways
The UAE reported intercepting multiple Iranian missiles and drones on Monday evening as attacks targeted its oil infrastructure. The strikes disrupted air traffic and injured three Indian citizens.
- UAE air defenses engaged missile and drone threats from Iran
- Three missiles intercepted, one fell into the sea
- Fire at Fujairah Oil Industry Zone injures three Indian nationals
- Flights diverted to Oman amid widespread disruptions
According to Reuters, the UAE's foreign ministry described the attacks as a serious escalation that posed a direct threat to national security. The defense ministry reported intercepting three missiles over territorial waters while a fourth crashed into the sea. Iranian state media denied any involvement, citing a senior military official who stated Iran had no plans to target the UAE.
The strikes shattered a period of relative calm in the region following a Pakistani-mediated ceasefire between Washington and Tehran on April 8. The ceasefire paused over two months of intense fighting in the Gulf region. Civil defense teams were deployed to contain the blaze at the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone, where three Indian citizens were moderately injured.
The attacks caused widespread disruption to air traffic, with multiple flights diverted to Muscat in Oman and other aircraft circling over Saudi Arabia. The UAE's defense ministry confirmed that all airports in the country were temporarily closed. Additionally, Iran's Revolutionary Guards Navy issued a map claiming expanded control near the Strait of Hormuz, encompassing key UAE ports.
Tensions have been high following failed efforts to extend the ceasefire between the United States and Israel concerning their conflict with Iran. The UAE strongly condemned an Iranian drone attack on the oil tanker Barakah off the coast of Oman earlier in the day. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran that it would face severe consequences if it targeted American ships protecting commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
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