World · India Bureau
UAE intercepts Iranian drone as US-Iran tensions escalate
The United Arab Emirates' air force intercepted an Iranian drone over its territorial waters on Monday, marking the latest military flashpoint following weekend strikes by US forces on Iranian positions. The interception comes as US and Iranian forces engaged in their most significant military exchange in over a month.
LSN India ·
The UAE Defence Ministry confirmed it had detected and "dealt with" an Iranian drone that approached its airspace from across the border. The ministry did not provide details on how the aircraft was neutralized or whether it caused any damage upon interception.
Tehran has not yet claimed responsibility for the drone operation, and no immediate damage assessments have been reported. However, the UAE Defence Ministry issued a separate statement refuting claims by Iranian media outlets that the Al Menhad Air Base in Dubai had been targeted by Iranian missiles.
The incident follows heightened military activity over the weekend, when US forces struck Iranian rocket launcher positions on an Iranian island on Sunday. Iran subsequently responded by launching a volley of missiles at American installations in Jordan, which were intercepted by US air defences.
The escalation marks a significant breach in the relative calm that had prevailed for more than six months in the region. Iran's Foreign Ministry indicated on Monday that the country would respond firmly to any further US military action, signalling that regional tensions remain elevated.