The UAE accused Iran of launching two ballistic missiles toward shipping lanes

The United Arab Emirates stated that Iran had launched two ballistic missiles, which, according to Emirati authorities, were aimed at maritime traffic in the Persian Gulf. Both missiles fell into the sea, according to Channel NewsAsia.

On August 18, the UAE Ministry of Defense stated that air defense systems detected the launch of two ballistic missiles from Iran toward the country. According to the ministry, one missile fell outside UAE territorial waters, while the other fell within them.

In a later statement, the ministry reported that an assessment confirmed the missiles were aimed at maritime shipping and fell into the sea. Iran did not immediately comment on these claims.

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Prior to the defense ministry’s announcement, UAE residents received alerts on their phones warning of a potential missile threat and urging them to immediately seek shelter in the nearest safe building. The alert was later canceled.

As Channel NewsAsia notes, this was the first time in several months that the UAE Ministry of Defense had issued a warning about a missile threat to the country’s territory. Iran had previously stated that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until it reached a peace agreement with the United States.

According to AFP, as cited by Channel NewsAsia, tankers belonging to the state-owned oil company ADNOC have been repeatedly attacked in recent weeks.