The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has accused Iran of launching a fresh round of missile and drone attacks on its territory, with one drone causing a fire at the Fujairah Oil Industrial Zone on 4/5. This incident resulted in three injuries and prompted flight disruptions.
"Four cruise missiles were launched from Iran, targeting different areas in the United Arab Emirates. Three missiles were successfully intercepted over UAE territorial waters, while the remaining one fell into the sea", the UAE Ministry of Defense announced on X on 4/5. The ministry added that its forces "are actively countering threats from Iranian missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (drones)", urging citizens to adhere to safety procedures upon receiving shelter warnings.
Officials in Fujairah city reported that the Iranian drone caused the fire at the Fujairah Oil Industrial Zone, injuring three people. Civil defense forces were deployed to control the blaze. The incident also led to flights bound for Dubai and Sharjah in the UAE being delayed or diverted, according to Flightradar24.
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Smoke rising from an energy facility area in Fujairah city, United Arab Emirates on 14/3. Photo: AFP |
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Iran's missile and drone attacks, labeling them a "treacherous act". The ministry affirmed the UAE's legitimate right to respond to these attacks, while also stating that they represent a serious escalation and pose a direct threat to national security.
This marks the latest attack targeting UAE territory since the US and Iran reached a ceasefire nearly a month ago, which had helped de-escalate regional fighting. Meanwhile, Iranian state media quoted a senior military official who asserted that Iran "has no plans to target the UAE". However, the official did not comment on the accusations made by the UAE.
Al Jazeera quoted Natasha Turak, a commentator in Dubai, who suggested that the attack on Fujairah was Iran's response to US President Donald Trump's declaration of "Operation Freedom" to support vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. "Iran views the US Navy's deployment of guided-missile destroyers to escort stranded oil tankers out of the Strait of Hormuz as a violation of the ceasefire", Turak said. "Tehran is reacting by attacking vessels in Hormuz and now energy facilities in the UAE."
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Location of Iran and other countries in the Middle East. Graphic: Guardian |
After the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran on 28/2, the UAE became Iran's primary target for retaliation. Tehran believes that Abu Dhabi's decades-long strategic alliance with Washington is the reason for these large-scale attacks. In total, Iran launched over 2,800 drones and missiles at the UAE from 28/2 until the ceasefire between Tehran and Washington took effect on 8/4.
On 4/5, the UAE also condemned a drone attack targeting an Abu Dhabi oil and gas company tanker in Hormuz. The strait is currently under an Iranian blockade in retaliation against the US and its allies. Washington has also imposed a blockade on Tehran's seaports and initiated operations to escort commercial vessels through Hormuz.
Nhu Tam (According to AFP, Reuters)
