UAE intercepts Iranian missiles as fire breaks out at Fujairah oil facility

ALBAWABA- The United Arab Emirates said on Monday that its air defence systems intercepted three out of four Iranian missiles detected over its territorial waters, while the fourth missile fell into the sea.

The UAE Ministry of Defence confirmed that its air defence units engaged incoming threats, stressing that the loud explosions heard across parts of the country were the result of successful interception operations.  Authorities also reported simultaneous missile and drone activity attributed to Iran, with defence systems continuing to respond to multiple aerial threats.

The Fujairah Government Media Office said a fire broke out in the Fujairah Oil Industry Area following a drone strike it attributed to Iran. Emergency teams were deployed to contain the blaze, while investigations into the incident are ongoing.

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— Fujairah Media Office (@FjMediaoffice) May 4, 2026

Earlier, the UAE’s National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority urged residents in affected areas to remain indoors and follow official instructions as air defence operations were underway.

The incident comes amid a further escalation of tensions in the Gulf region, following reports of an Iranian strike on a UAE-linked vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. The attack reportedly followed Tehran’s introduction of new maritime regulations in the strategic waterway, which is a critical corridor for global energy shipments.

The escalation also coincides with heightened regional friction after the United States launched “Project Freedom,” a naval initiative aimed at securing safe passage for commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has strongly rejected the move, calling it a violation of its declared security jurisdiction.

Adding to regional complexity, reports have highlighted growing security cooperation between the UAE and Israel, including advanced air defence coordination. Iranian officials have previously warned that such alignments increase the risk of retaliatory actions against Gulf states hosting foreign military assets.

The latest exchange marks another episode in the broader Iran-Gulf confrontation that has intensified in recent months, despite a fragile ceasefire framework involving the United States and Iran. Since late February, the UAE has reported intercepting hundreds of missiles and drones amid recurring aerial attacks.