On April 2, the UAE's air defense forces intercepted 19 Iranian ballistic missiles
On April 2, 2026, the United Arab Emirates’ air defense successfully repelled yet another attack from Iran.
According to official data from the UAE Ministry of Defense, the military managed to destroy 19 ballistic missiles and 26 unmanned aerial vehicles. The ministry reported this on social media platform X, emphasizing the readiness of air defense forces to protect the country’s airspace.
Since the start of Iran’s active aggression, the UAE’s defense systems have intercepted a total of 457 ballistic and 19 cruise missiles, as well as over 2,000 enemy UAVs. Despite the high effectiveness of the air defense, attacks by Russia and its ally Iran have resulted in casualties. To date, two military personnel and nine civilians have been killed, and another 191 people have been wounded.
The UAE military leadership emphasizes that these strikes are blatant acts of aggression aimed at destabilizing the region. Against the backdrop of the escalating situation, the Emirates continue to strengthen their multi-layered missile defense system. The international community is closely monitoring the escalation in the Persian Gulf region, while the UAE is coordinating efforts with partners to deter further threats. So far, official Tehran has not commented on the latest massive shelling.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he had received a request from the new leader of the Iranian regime asking for a ceasefire. Trump is willing to consider such a possibility only on the condition that the Strait of Hormuz is fully opened for the free and safe passage of ships.
As a reminder, the IRGC announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and is threatening a “harsh response” to ships.
