Iran Launches New Missile Barrage at UAE Hours After Attacking US Destroyers
UAE reports third Iranian attack this week with ballistic missiles and drones, injuring three, as Trump claims ceasefire still holds despite escalating strikes.
Iran launchedtwo ballistic missiles and three drones at the United Arab Emirates on Friday, causing three moderate injuries just hours after Iranian forces attacked three U.S. Navy destroyers in the Strait of Hormuz. The UAE Defense Ministry warned civilians to avoid debris from intercepted Iranian weapons.
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The strike marks Iran's third attack on the UAE this week alone. Since Tehran began its assault campaign, UAE air defenses have intercepted 551 ballistic missiles, 29 cruise missiles, and 2,263 unmanned aerial vehicles, according to the Defense Ministry. The Iranian attacks have killed ten people and wounded 230 others, including citizens from more than two dozen countries across the Middle East and Africa.
UAE Documents War Crimes for International Court
The Emirates announced Friday it will establish a committee chaired by the attorney general to document "Iranian acts of aggression, international crimes and the damages resulting from them." The committee will prepare evidence using "reliable evidence" and "the highest legal and technical standards" to seek damages from Iran in international court.
The UAE Foreign Ministry rejected Iran's justification for the attacks based on Emirati cooperation with the United States, calling the UAE's international relationships a "purely sovereign matter" that Tehran cannot dictate.
Trump Claims Ceasefire Holds Despite Escalation
President Donald Trump maintained the Iranian ceasefire remains in effect despite the attacks on American ships and UAE civilians. Following the Hormuz confrontation, Trump dismissed Iranian aggression against U.S. forces.
They trifled with us today. We blew them away.
Iran accused Washington of violating the ceasefire by sailing through the Strait of Hormuz and responding to attacks. Iranian Foreign Ministry Abbas Araghchi posted on X: "Every time a diplomatic solution is on the table, the U.S. opts for a reckless military adventure. Is it a crude pressure tactic? Or the result of a spoiler once again duping POTUS into another quagmire?"
During Operation Epic Fury in March and April, Iran launched thousands of missiles and drones at the UAE and neighboring countries including Israel, Qatar, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. The New York Times reported the UAE has "doubled down on its alliances with Israel and the United States" despite Iranian aggression, even as Trump administration officials have downplayed the Emirates attacks.
The escalating Iranian attacks test both the fragile ceasefire arrangement and American commitment to Gulf allies, with UAE leaders banking on Trump's willingness to defend partners who maintain strong ties with Washington and Jerusalem.
