The United Arab Emirates reported Monday that four missiles were fired toward its territory from Iran, with its defense ministry stating three cruise missiles were intercepted and a third fell into the sea. Less than an hour later, the ministry said it was responding to another attack involving missiles and drones. Separately, a government media office in the emirate of Fujairah confirmed a drone struck a fuel facility there, sparking a fire.
This marks the first time Iran has attacked a Gulf state since a ceasefire was announced nearly a month ago, according to Axios. The incidents come after President Trump launched a new initiative to guide ships through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran threatened to meet with force. The U.S. and Iran may now be on the precipice of a return to war.
Fires were also reported at a fuel facility in the UAE and on ships off its coast, though Iran has not claimed responsibility for any of the apparent attacks. The U.K.'s maritime operations center noted the developments as well. The UAE defense ministry told citizens that loud booms heard inside the country resulted from aerial interceptions.
The attacks threaten to unravel the month-old ceasefire and escalate tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. If Iran is confirmed as the aggressor, it could trigger a broader regional conflict involving the U.S. and its allies. The UAE's ability to intercept most missiles suggests some defensive capabilities, but the drone strike on a fuel facility shows vulnerabilities remain.
Iran's silence on the attacks leaves room for diplomatic ambiguity, but the UAE's direct accusation heightens pressure for a response. The coming hours will likely determine whether the ceasefire holds or the region slides back into open hostilities.