UAE Holds Iran Responsible for Fresh Attacks  

“Four cruise missiles were launched from Iran targeting different areas in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Three missiles were successfully intercepted over UAE territorial waters, the remaining one fell into the sea,” the UAE Ministry of Defence announced on X on May 4. The UAE Ministry of Defence added that its forces “are actively responding to threats from Iranian missiles and drones,” urging citizens to follow safety procedures when receiving shelter warnings.

This is the latest attack targeting UAE territory since the US-Iran ceasefire nearly a month ago, which helped to ease fighting in the region. The events caused delays or diversions for flights in the UAE bound for Dubai and Sharjah, according to Flightradar24.

Officials in Fujairah reported that an Iranian drone caused a fire in the Fujairah oil industrial zone, injuring three people. Civilian forces were deployed to control the blaze.

The UAE Foreign Ministry condemned the Iranian missile and drone attacks, calling them an act of “betrayal.” The ministry asserted that the UAE has every legitimate right to retaliate against these attacks, stating that they represent a serious escalation and pose a direct threat to national security.

Meanwhile, Iranian state media quoted a senior military official as saying that Iran “has no plans to target the UAE.” However, the official declined to comment on the UAE’s accusations.

Al Jazeera quoted Natasha Turak, a Dubai-based commentator, as saying that the attack on Fujairah was Iran’s response to US President Donald Trump’s announcement of Operation “Project Freedom” to assist ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz. “Iran considers the US Navy’s deployment of guided-missile destroyers to escort the stranded oil tankers out of the Strait of Hormuz a violation of the ceasefire,” Turak said. “Tehran is responding by attacking ships in Hormuz and now attacking energy facilities in the UAE.”

Following the US-Israel offensive against Iran on February 28, the UAE became Iran’s primary target for retaliation. Tehran argues that the decades-long strategic alliance between Abu Dhabi and Washington is the reason for carrying out large-scale attacks. In total, Iran launched more than 2,800 drones and missiles into the UAE from February 28 until the ceasefire between Tehran and Washington took effect on April 8.

On May 4, the UAE condemned the drone attack on an Abu Dhabi oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. This strait is under a blockade by Iran in retaliation for the US and its allies. Washington has also imposed a blockade on Tehran’s ports and deployed escort operations for commercial ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz.