Daijiworld Media Network – Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, May 8: Fresh tensions erupted in the Gulf region early Friday after the United Arab Emirates confirmed that its air defence systems were actively intercepting missile and drone attacks amid escalating hostilities linked to the ongoing US-Iran conflict.
The UAE Ministry of Defense said the country’s defence forces were “actively engaging” aerial threats and urged residents not to approach or photograph debris resulting from intercepted missiles and drones.
Authorities warned the public to stay away from any fragments that may have fallen following successful interceptions.
The latest developments came just hours after the United States military announced that it had intercepted Iranian attacks targeting three US Navy warships in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday night.
According to the US Central Command, American forces responded with “self-defence strikes” against Iranian military facilities allegedly involved in the attacks on US personnel and assets.
The US military described the Iranian actions as “unprovoked attacks” and clarified that none of the Navy ships sustained damage during the confrontation.
While insisting that Washington does not seek further escalation, the US military said it remains fully prepared to protect American forces operating in the region.
US President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters in Washington, maintained that the fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran was still holding despite the renewed exchange of fire.
The ceasefire, which came into effect on April 8, has remained largely intact, though tensions have repeatedly threatened to derail it.
Efforts to achieve a permanent end to the conflict have so far failed. In-person talks hosted by Pakistan last month reportedly ended without a breakthrough between the two sides.
The conflict began on February 28 after coordinated strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, triggering months of instability across the Middle East.
The latest attacks have once again raised fears of a wider regional conflict, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important oil shipping routes.