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Amid what it described as unprovoked Iranian terrorist attacks, the United Arab Emirates said it unequivocally rejects any aggression targeting its security or sovereignty, stressing it remains fully prepared to respond decisively to any threat.
UAE Foreign Ministry said, “Amid the unprovoked Iranian terrorist attacks, the United Arab Emirates unequivocally rejects any aggression targeting its security or sovereignty, and affirms that it remains steadfast and fully prepared to respond decisively to any threat.”
The UAE said it will not tolerate attempts to undermine its security or territorial integrity, and will act with absolute resolve to protect its citizens, residents and visitors, while safeguarding its national interests.
It was following the strikes and drone attacks on Gulf nations by Iran as it intensified attacks across the region from more than two weeks since the war started.
The UAE’s Defence Ministry said air defences intercepted 10 Iranian ballistic missiles and 45 drones on Tuesday.
Iran has defended its strikes on Gulf states by arguing that the presence of US military bases makes them legitimate targets, following joint US-Israeli air attacks on Tehran on February 28.
The UAE, which normalised ties with Israel in 2020, has been among the hardest hit, with more than 1,800 missiles and drones fired at its territory, the highest among countries targeted in the conflict.
Across the Gulf, states have reported over 2,000 missile and drone attacks since the war began.
Since the February 28 strikes, Iran has launched hundreds of missiles and drones at what it says are US-linked military sites and infrastructure across GCC countries.
UAE Foreign Ministry said, “Amid the unprovoked Iranian terrorist attacks, the United Arab Emirates unequivocally rejects any aggression targeting its security or sovereignty, and affirms that it remains steadfast and fully prepared to respond decisively to any threat.”
The UAE said it will not tolerate attempts to undermine its security or territorial integrity, and will act with absolute resolve to protect its citizens, residents and visitors, while safeguarding its national interests.
Air defences intercepted missiles and drones
It was following the strikes and drone attacks on Gulf nations by Iran as it intensified attacks across the region from more than two weeks since the war started.
The UAE’s Defence Ministry said air defences intercepted 10 Iranian ballistic missiles and 45 drones on Tuesday.
Over a dozen interceptor missiles seen earlier in the sky over Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, following a possible attack by Iran using “advanced ballistic missiles” in an attempt to target Dubai International Airport. pic.twitter.com/PxI7EQ5N6W
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) March 17, 2026
Iran has defended its strikes on Gulf states by arguing that the presence of US military bases makes them legitimate targets, following joint US-Israeli air attacks on Tehran on February 28.
The UAE, which normalised ties with Israel in 2020, has been among the hardest hit, with more than 1,800 missiles and drones fired at its territory, the highest among countries targeted in the conflict.
Across the Gulf, states have reported over 2,000 missile and drone attacks since the war began.
Since the February 28 strikes, Iran has launched hundreds of missiles and drones at what it says are US-linked military sites and infrastructure across GCC countries.
