UAE Reports Intercepting Iranian Missiles and Drones, Drawing International Condemnations

The United Arab Emirates reported intercepting 15 missiles and four drones launched from Iran on May 4, 2026. Authorities in the UAE described the incidents as attacks on civilian and economic facilities, including a drone strike that caused a large fire at the Fujairah Petroleum Industries Zone and injured three Indian nationals.

Officials also stated that an empty crude oil tanker belonging to a state oil firm was targeted while passing through the Strait of Hormuz. This event represents the first targeting of the UAE since Iran and the United States agreed to a ceasefire on April 8, 2026.

The UAE warned that it reserves the right to respond to the attacks. Iran has denied the accusations, according to reports.

Affairs stated it condemned the targeting of civilian and economic facilities in the UAE, as well as a vessel belonging to an Emirati company. The ministry affirmed solidarity with the UAE in measures to preserve its sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.

It called on Iran to cease such attacks. Qatar stated it strongly condemns the attacks, viewing them as a violation of the UAE's sovereignty and a threat to regional security and stability. Qatar affirmed full solidarity with the UAE and support for measures to preserve its sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.

Kuwait's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the actions as a breach of freedom of navigation in international waterways, threatening regional security and global supply lines. The ministry called for an immediate end to aggression and supported the UAE in protecting its security and interests.

Bahrain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced the strikes as a dangerous escalation threatening regional security and stability. It expressed support for any retaliatory measures by the UAE and called on the United Nations Security Council to take firm measures against the attacks.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi spoke with his Emirati counterpart, Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and condemned the attacks, according to the Petra news agency. Safadi reiterated Jordan's solidarity with the UAE in confronting the incidents.

He described the strikes as a threat to the UAE's security, stability, territorial integrity, and a violation of international law. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned the attacks and expressed solidarity with the people of the UAE. He stated that Tehran must return to negotiations, end the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, and not acquire a nuclear weapon.

Merz also called for no further threats or attacks against partners. French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the strikes as unjustified and unacceptable, pledging continued support for allies in the region. He stated that France will continue to support its allies in the Emirates and the region for the defense of their territory.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the attacks and called for Iran to engage in talks to prevent further escalation. He stated that the UK stands in solidarity with the UAE and will continue to support the defense of partners in the Gulf. Starmer emphasized the need for Iran to engage in negotiations to ensure the ceasefire endures and achieve a long-term diplomatic solution.

Canadian officials condemned the missile and drone strikes on the UAE and expressed solidarity with its people. They commended efforts to protect civilians and infrastructure and reiterated calls for de-escalation and diplomacy in the region. The bloc described the actions as a continuation of attacks targeting ships in the strait, affecting security of sea lanes.

She stated that the attacks constitute a violation of sovereignty and international law, with direct consequences for Europe's security. Von der Leyen added that the EU will work with partners on de-escalation and diplomatic resolution to end such actions.