Iran Denies Launching Ballistic Missiles at UAE, So Who Did?

The Iranian government has denied launching missiles towards the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday (18/8). The denial came after Abu Dhabi accused Tehran of firing two ballistic missiles into its territory.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei “firmly rejected the UAE’s claim that Iran had launched missiles towards the country”, calling it damaging to trust and regional security efforts.

Earlier, the UAE government accused Iran of firing two ballistic missiles into its territory. This marked the first time in recent months that the UAE Ministry of Defence detected a barrage of missiles hurtling towards the country.

The UAE Ministry of Defence, as reported by AFP on Wednesday (19/8/2026), reported that both missiles fired by Iran fell into the sea.

“The UAE’s air defence systems detected two ballistic missiles launched from Iran towards this country,” the UAE Ministry of Defence said in a statement on social media platform X.

“The first missile fell outside the country’s territorial waters, while the second fell within territorial waters,” the statement said.

There were no reports of casualties or damage from the two missile attacks.

In its statement, as reported by Anadolu Agency, the UAE Ministry of Defence stressed that the Gulf state “remains fully prepared and on alert to respond to any threats, and will take firm action against any attempt aimed at disrupting the country’s security”.

Following the missile attack, the UAE government suspended all trade, commercial relations and financial transactions with Iran.

UAE Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Afra Al Hameli reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to dialogue, cooperation and regional integration to advance peace, stability and prosperity in the region.

“However, given the regional escalation that undermines regional and international peace and security, all trade, commercial relations and financial transactions with Iran have been suspended until further notice,” Al Hameli said in a statement on social media platform X, as reported by Al Arabiya on Wednesday (19/8/2026).

She stressed that the UAE remains “steadfastly committed to safeguarding the integrity of the international financial system, in accordance with international law and the highest global standards.”