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UAE reports Iran launched two ballistic missiles at Gulf state

The United Arab Emirates' defense ministry said it detected two ballistic missiles fired from Iran on Tuesday. The incident marks a significant escalation in regional tensions.

LSN Singapore · 18 August 2026

UAE reports Iran launched two ballistic missiles at Gulf state

The UAE's defense ministry confirmed the detection of two ballistic missiles launched from Iranian territory, according to a statement released Tuesday. Officials said the missiles were directed at the Gulf nation, though further details regarding their trajectory and any potential impact were not immediately disclosed.

The incident represents a notable escalation in ongoing tensions between Iran and the UAE, a key Western-aligned nation in the Persian Gulf region. The Emirates maintains close security partnerships with the United States and other regional allies.

The reported missile launches come amid broader geopolitical friction in the Gulf, where competing interests and regional proxy conflicts have created a volatile security environment. Iran has previously tested various ballistic missile systems as part of its military capabilities development.

Authorities in the UAE have not yet provided comprehensive details about the nature of the detected missiles or whether any defensive measures were activated in response. Regional observers have been closely monitoring developments as tensions continue to characterize relations between Tehran and Gulf state capitals.