Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates remained on high security alert after a missile threat triggered emergency warnings across the country. The development came amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, with the UAE accusing Tehran of launching ballistic missiles towards its territory.
Missile Warning Triggers Panic Across UAE
Residents in several parts of the UAE, including Dubai, received emergency alerts after authorities warned people to move to safe locations. The warning was issued around Tuesday evening and was withdrawn nearly 15 minutes later after officials confirmed that the situation was under control.
The UAE Ministry of Defense later stated that its air defense systems detected two ballistic missiles allegedly launched from Iran. According to the ministry, one missile fell outside UAE territorial waters, while another landed within the country's maritime zone.
Officials said both missiles fell into the sea and appeared to be aimed at maritime targets. The UAE military confirmed that its forces remain on high alert and are prepared to respond to any threat to national security.
Iran Rejects UAE Allegations
Iran has strongly denied the UAE's claims, calling the allegations baseless. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei rejected accusations that Tehran was responsible for launching missiles towards the UAE.
Iran said such claims could damage regional trust and urged countries to avoid making accusations during a period of heightened tensions.
The dispute comes after a series of incidents involving UAE-linked shipping activity near the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route.
UAE Takes Economic Action Against Tehran
Following the missile allegations, the UAE announced the suspension of trade, commercial exchanges and financial transactions with Iran until further notice.
Abu Dhabi said the decision was taken due to growing regional instability and actions that threaten peace and security. The move marks a major setback in relations between the two neighboring countries.
Strait of Hormuz Crisis Intensifies
The latest escalation comes as the broader US-Iran conflict remains unresolved. Diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran have failed to achieve a breakthrough, increasing concerns over stability in the Gulf region.
The Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of global oil and gas shipments pass, remains at the center of the crisis. Any disruption in the waterway could have major consequences for international energy markets.
With military forces on alert and diplomatic tensions rising, the UAE-Iran standoff has added fresh uncertainty to an already volatile Middle East situation.