Accused of Launching Attacks on UAE, Iran Denies and Points to US
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has accused Iran of launching a series of attacks on its territory. However, Tehran has denied the allegations and emphasised that it has no agenda to attack the UAE. Instead, Iran has pointed to the United States (US), which it claims has illegally opened shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz.
According to detikNews, the UAE Ministry of Defence stated that at least 12 ballistic missiles, three cruise missiles, and four drones were launched by Iran towards their territory. The UAE said the barrage of attacks was intercepted throughout Monday (4/5/2026).
The attacks reportedly injured three people. The UAE described the aerial assault as a serious escalation posing a direct threat to national security.
The Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jasem al-Budaiwi, strongly condemned Iran’s attacks on the UAE. He described the action as an act of aggression and blatant escalation.
Arab Countries’ Condemnations
Meanwhile, TRT World reported that Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, and Jordan expressed condemnations towards Tehran. One drone attack reportedly triggered a fire at the Fujairah Oil Industrial Zone complex, a major energy hub on the UAE’s east coast.
Saudi Arabia strongly condemned Iran’s attacks and affirmed solidarity with the UAE in protecting its sovereignty and security. They also called on Iran to cease its attacks.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s strong condemnation and rejection of Iran’s targeting – involving missiles and drones – of civilian and economic facilities in the sisterly United Arab Emirates, as well as a vessel owned by an Emirati company,” stated the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs firmly.
Other condemnations came from Qatar, which described the attacks as a violation of sovereignty. Additionally, Qatar called the attacks a serious threat to regional security and stability.
Egypt also joined in condemning Iran. The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed full solidarity and support for the UAE’s subsequent measures.
Saudi Crown Prince Condemns Iran’s Attacks
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) spoke by telephone with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed (MBZ). In the phone conversation with MBZ, MBS expressed the Kingdom’s strong rejection of Iran’s aggression targeting the UAE.
MBS also reaffirmed Saudi support for the UAE’s security and stability. The two leaders also reviewed regional developments and ways to enhance regional security and stability.
MBS’s condemnation was conveyed after the UAE Ministry of Defence reported that its air defences had intercepted at least 15 missiles and four drones launched from Iranian territory, in four waves of attacks, on Monday (4/5) local time.
Iran Denies Attacking UAE
Meanwhile, Iranian authorities denied the accusations of attacking the UAE. Speaking to AFP, an unnamed Iranian military official emphasised that Tehran has no programme to attack the UAE.
“The Islamic Republic has no pre-planned programme to attack the mentioned oil facilities,” the Iranian military official stressed when speaking to state television.
He instead said the US must take responsibility for creating routes for ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz illegally.
“US officials must end their bad behaviour of using violence in the diplomatic process and stop military adventures in this sensitive oil region, which affects the economies of all countries in the world,” he concluded.