UAE intercepts 7 missiles, 16 drones from Iran

2026-03-23 - 13:00

The United Arab Emirates announced Monday that its air defense forces successfully engaged seven ballistic missiles and 16 unmanned aerial vehicles fired from Iranian territory. The Defense Ministry provided the latest figures amid ongoing retaliatory strikes between Iran and US-Israeli forces, which have increasingly drawn Gulf nations into the conflict since the offensive began Feb. 28. Total tally of attacks since Feb. 28 According to the ministry’s statement, since the start of Iranian operations, UAE air defenses have intercepted a total of 352 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,789 drones. The repeated barrages have tested the country’s defense infrastructure, which relies on advanced systems integrated with regional and allied networks. Human toll from Iranian strikes The ministry disclosed that two Emirati soldiers and six civilians—of Pakistani, Nepali, Bangladeshi and Palestinian nationalities—have been killed in Iranian attacks since late February. An additional 161 people of various nationalities were reported injured. The UAE emphasized that it remains “fully prepared and ready to deal with any threats,” vowing to protect its sovereignty, stability and national interests. Regional context and Türkiye’s position The attacks on the UAE are part of Iran’s broader retaliation following the US-Israeli joint offensive that has claimed more than 1,340 lives, including Iran’s then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iran has also struck Israel, Jordan, Iraq and other Gulf states hosting US military assets, disrupting global energy markets and aviation. Türkiye continues to monitor the escalating crisis closely, urging restraint and emphasizing that regional stability is essential for its own security and economic interests.